Croaked: meaning, definitions and examples

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croaked

 

[ kroʊkt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

To croak means to make a deep, hoarse sound, typically associated with frogs. It can also refer to similar sounds made by other animals or even by humans. This sound is often used to signal distress or communicate during mating.

Synonyms

croak, grumble, gurgle.

Examples of usage

  • The frog croaked loudly in the pond.
  • He croaked out a warning as he stumbled.
  • The dying bird croaked before it fell silent.
Context #2 | Verb

slang expression

In slang, croaked can mean to die or to pass away. This usage is more informal and often found in colloquial speech. It conveys the idea of someone or something ceasing to live.

Synonyms

died, kicked the bucket, perished.

Examples of usage

  • He really croaked after that long illness.
  • The old car finally croaked on the highway.
  • Don't worry, he'll be back before you know it; he isn't croaked yet.

Translations

Translations of the word "croaked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 croaked

🇮🇳 क्रोक किया

🇩🇪 quaken

🇮🇩 berkokok

🇺🇦 квакнув

🇵🇱 klekotał

🇯🇵 クワックした

🇫🇷 croasser

🇪🇸 croar

🇹🇷 kıkırdadı

🇰🇷 개구리 소리를 내다

🇸🇦 صاح

🇨🇿 kvákat

🇸🇰 kvákať

🇨🇳 呱呱叫

🇸🇮 krekati

🇮🇸 kveða

🇰🇿 құтқару

🇬🇪 კროკა

🇦🇿 çırpınmaq

🇲🇽 croar

Etymology

The word 'croak' originates from the Middle English word 'croken', which is derived from the Old Norse word 'krōka' meaning 'to croak' or 'to cry'. Its roots can be traced back to the sound made by frogs, which has been a recognizable and distinct sound in nature. Linguists suggest that the evolution of this term is closely tied to the onomatopoeic nature of the sound it describes. The application of 'croak' to describe the sound made by frogs likely developed in English around the 14th century. The slang usage of 'croaked' to refer to dying or passing away seems to have emerged in 20th century American English, highlighting the informal and vivid imagery that characterizes colloquial language. This evolution showcases the dynamic nature of language as it adapts and expands with cultural developments and societal changes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,204, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.