# cry out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cry-out
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to shout or make a loud sound because you are in pain, scared, or very surprised.

For teachers: to utter a loud, spontaneous vocalization in response to physical pain, intense emotion, or a sudden realization.

## Examples

- She had to cry out when she stubbed her toe.
- The hikers heard someone cry out for help from the bottom of the steep hill.
- As the protagonist witnessed the destruction of his childhood home, he could not help but cry out in absolute despair.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He cried out for the pain." but "He cried out in pain." — use 'in' to describe the emotion or state that caused the shout, rather than 'for'.

## Usage notes

- often followed by 'in' plus an emotion like 'pain', 'fear', or 'surprise'.
- Teaching tip: distinguish this from 'cry' (to weep); 'cry out' focuses on the sudden vocal volume rather than the act of shedding tears.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.