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cry

v. · n.
US //ˈkɹaɪ// UK //kɹˈaɪ// cry
  1. 1 to shed tears (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to produce tears from your eyes because you are sad, angry, or in pain.

    to shed tears as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow. Intransitive in this primary sense.

    Example

    The little boy started to cry when he fell off his bicycle in the park.

    Example

    She didn't want to cry in front of her colleagues, so she waited until she reached the privacy of her car to let the tears fall.
  2. 2 an act of weeping (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a period of time spent crying.

    a spell or fit of weeping.

    Example

    Sometimes a good cry makes you feel much better when you are stressed.

    Example

    After receiving the news, she went upstairs for a long cry, emerging an hour later looking exhausted but calm.
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  1. 3 a loud shout (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a loud shout or a sudden sound made by an animal.

    a loud vocal sound, either human or animal, expressing a specific emotion or signal.

    Example

    We heard a loud cry for help coming from the woods behind the house.

    Example

    The haunting cry of a lone wolf echoed through the valley, startling the hikers who were setting up their camp.
  2. 4 an urgent request (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a strong or desperate request for help or attention.

    a desperate or urgent appeal for assistance or public attention.

    Example

    The charity's advertisement was a cry for help for the victims of the flood.

    Example

    The protest was seen by many as a desperate cry for justice in a system that had ignored the community for decades.
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