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Croak: meaning, definitions and examples

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croak

 

[ krəʊk ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

sound production

To croak means to make a low, hoarse sound or to produce a sound typically associated with frogs. It can also refer to a rough voice, as when someone speaks in a hoarse manner. Additionally, it can describe the sound made when someone is dying or on the verge of death.

Synonyms

croak out, gasp, gurgle, rattle.

Examples of usage

  • The frogs began to croak at dusk.
  • He croaked out a warning before collapsing.
  • She croaked from the cold after being outside for too long.
Context #2 | Noun

animal sound

A croak refers to the sound made by frogs or certain birds, characterized by a low, throaty noise. This term can also describe the sound qualities of a person's voice when they are hoarse or weak.

Synonyms

call, noise, sound.

Examples of usage

  • The croak of the frog was soothing in the evening.
  • His croak resembled that of a dying bird.
  • She let out a croak when she tried to speak.

Translations

Translations of the word "croak" in other languages:

🇵🇹 croak

🇮🇳 कर्कश आवाज़ निकालना

🇩🇪 quaken

🇮🇩 berkokok

🇺🇦 квакати

🇵🇱 krakać

🇯🇵 カエルの声を出す

🇫🇷 croasser

🇪🇸 croar

🇹🇷 vaklamak

🇰🇷 개구리처럼 울다

🇸🇦 صوت الضفدع

🇨🇿 kvákat

🇸🇰 kvákať

🇨🇳 呱呱叫

🇸🇮 krekati

🇮🇸 kalla

🇰🇿 шақыру

🇬🇪 კვატი

🇦🇿 cırıltı

🇲🇽 croar

Etymology

The word 'croak' originates from the Old English term 'cracian', which means 'to croak or make a harsh sound.' It has cognates in several Germanic languages, illustrating a long history of describing the guttural sounds made by animals such as frogs. In English, the word has been used since at least the 14th century, initially to describe the sounds of both frogs and certain birds. Over time, 'croak' has also taken on metaphorical meanings, referring to a hoarse human voice or even signaling imminent death, showcasing the versatility and evolution of the term in everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,800, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.