v.
(cries, crying, cried)
- shed tears.
- shout or scream loudly.
▸(of a hawker) proclaim (wares) for sale.
- (of a bird or other animal) make a loud characteristic call.
-
(cry out for)
demand as a self-evident requirement or solution:
the scheme is crying out for reform.
-
(cry off)
informal go back on a promise or fail to keep to an arrangement.
-
(cry someone/thing up or down)
dated disparage (or praise) someone or something.
n.
(pl. cries)
- a loud shout or scream.
▸an urgent appeal or entreaty.
- a spell of weeping.
- a distinctive call of a bird or other animal.
Phrase
- cry for the moon
ask for what is unattainable or impossible. - for crying out loud
informal used to express irritation or impatience.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. crier (v.), cri (n.), from L. quiritare ‘raise a public outcry’, lit. ‘call on the Quirites (Roman citizens) for help’.