Bawl: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when someone is crying loudly and uncontrollably, often in a way that attracts attention. It usually implies a state of emotional distress or pain.

• The child started to bawl when he couldn't find his mother
• | She began to bawl after receiving the bad news

Describes a prolonged, high-pitched cry often associated with grief, sorrow, or desperation. This word has a slightly negative connotation due to its intensity.

• The widow wailed over her husband's grave
• | The sirens wailed in the distance, adding to the chaos

Used to describe a loud, wailing cry that might be associated with animals, particularly wolves, but can also be used to describe humans in extreme emotional pain or frustration.

• The wolves began to howl at the moon
• | After hearing the tragic news, he howled in agony

This word is appropriate when describing quiet or gentle crying with convulsive breaths, often in sadness or grief.

• She could only sob quietly into her pillow
• | He sobbed for hours after the funeral

Similar to 'bawl,' this word also implies noisy, uncontrolled crying, but it's worth noting that this entry seems to be a duplicate.

• The child continued to bawl even after being comforted.

Commonly used to describe raising one's voice to be heard over a distance or above background noise. It doesn’t necessarily have a negative connotation, but it can be used in situations of urgency or excitement.

• She had to shout to be heard over the loud music.
• I shouted for help when I saw the accident.

This word usually means to shout loudly, often in a sudden or intense manner. It can be used in both negative and positive contexts, such as anger or excitement.

• He yelled at his brother for breaking his toy.
• The fans yelled in excitement as their team scored a goal.

Usually used to describe a loud, deep sound, often associated with animals like lions. It can also describe a loud, forceful human voice typically in a commanding or angry tone.

• The lion's roar could be heard from miles away.
• He roared at the players to motivate them.

This word conveys a loud, harsh cry or shout, often used when someone is very upset or angry.

• The child began to bawl when his toy was taken away
• She bawled at him for forgetting their anniversary

This term is commonly used to describe the act of shedding tears due to strong emotions like sadness, joy, or frustration.

• She started to cry when she heard the sad news
• He couldn't help but cry at his daughter's wedding

This word is appropriate for situations where someone is speaking or calling out very loudly, often to be heard over distance or noise.

• He had to shout to be heard over the concert noise
• She shouted for help when she saw the fire

This word is similar to 'shout' but often suggests urgency, anger, or strong emotion. It can have a slightly more negative connotation.

• He yelled at the driver who almost hit him
• She yelled for everyone to get out of the house quickly