Word
outcry
Phoneticsout·cry, stress on the first syllable
/ˈaʊtˌkɹaɪ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a strong expression of anger or disapproval from a large group of people.
n. a loud and vehement expression of public protest or indignation. Often follows a specific event or policy decision perceived as unjust.
Examples
“The new tax law caused a public outcry.”
“There was a massive outcry from local residents when the city announced plans to cut down the ancient forest.”
“The sudden closure of the historic library sparked a national outcry, leading to a petition signed by thousands of citizens demanding its immediate reopening.”
Examples
simple
“The new tax law caused a public outcry.”
contextual
“There was a massive outcry from local residents when the city announced plans to cut down the ancient forest.”
complex
“The sudden closure of the historic library sparked a national outcry, leading to a petition signed by thousands of citizens demanding its immediate reopening.”
Usage
Commonly used in the singular with 'a' or 'the'; often paired with the verbs 'spark', 'cause', or 'provoke'.
Real-World Examples
“The outcry from the global football community was loud, and it is possible that the Fifa president will fall.” Etymology
From Middle English outcry, outcri, outcrye, equivalent to out- + cry. The verb is from Middle English outcrien.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/outcry