Bawl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
bawl
[bษหl ]
Definitions
loud crying
To cry or wail loudly, often in a way that is uncontrolled or without restraint. It can be a sign of distress, pain, or extreme emotion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bawl |
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.
|
| wail |
Describes a prolonged, high-pitched cry often associated with grief, sorrow, or desperation. This word has a slightly negative connotation due to its intensity.
|
| howl |
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.
|
| sob |
This word is appropriate when describing quiet or gentle crying with convulsive breaths, often in sadness or grief.
|
Examples of usage
- The baby bawled all night, keeping the whole house awake.
- She bawled in grief when she heard the news of her grandmother's passing.
shout angrily
To shout loudly and aggressively, usually in anger or frustration.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bawl |
Similar to 'bawl,' this word also implies noisy, uncontrolled crying, but it's worth noting that this entry seems to be a duplicate.
|
| shout |
Commonly used to describe raising one's voice to be heard over a distance or above background noise. It doesnโt necessarily have a negative connotation, but it can be used in situations of urgency or excitement.
|
| yell |
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.
|
| roar |
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.
|
Examples of usage
- The coach bawled at the players for their lack of effort.
- He bawled orders at his subordinates, making them feel small and insignificant.
loud cry
A loud, prolonged cry or shout, often expressing distress or anger.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bawl |
This word conveys a loud, harsh cry or shout, often used when someone is very upset or angry.
|
| cry |
This term is commonly used to describe the act of shedding tears due to strong emotions like sadness, joy, or frustration.
|
| shout |
This word is appropriate for situations where someone is speaking or calling out very loudly, often to be heard over distance or noise.
|
| yell |
This word is similar to 'shout' but often suggests urgency, anger, or strong emotion. It can have a slightly more negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- Her bawl echoed through the empty hallways, a sound of pure agony.
- The bawl of the injured animal pierced the silence of the forest.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Crying can be a healthy emotional release, helping individuals cope with pain and sadness.
- Loud crying, or bawling, can activate the body's stress-response system, providing a physical outlet for frustration.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters often bawl during emotional scenes, emphasizing their despair or loss.
- Popular songs sometimes feature themes of bawling as a way to express heartache, resonating with audiences.
Education
- Teaching children vocabulary related to emotions can help them articulate their feelings better, reducing instances of intense crying.
- Role-playing scenarios where characters 'bawl' can assist kids in understanding emotional expression.
Sports
- Athletes sometimes bawl after significant losses, showing the intense connection between effort and emotion in competitive settings.
- During pivotal moments in sports, players may cry out loud in celebration or frustration.
Origin of 'bawl'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in Middle English, derived from 'bawlen', meaning to cry.
- It has old Germanic connections, suggesting a long history of expressing strong emotions vocally.
The word 'bawl' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old Norse word 'baula', meaning 'to low like a cow'. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to loud crying or shouting. The use of 'bawl' to describe loud, uncontrollable crying dates back to the 15th century. It has been a common word in English to express emotional outbursts and loud vocalizations.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #32,080 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 32077 virtuously
- 32078 september
- 32079 venoms
- 32080 bawl
- 32081 plop
- 32082 mimosa
- 32083 roughening
- ...