Bawls

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

  1. to cry loudly and uncontrollably | to shout or exclaim noisily, often in a distressing manner | to complain or express dissatisfaction in a loud and emotional way
  2. to weep or wail in a loud and uncontrolled manner | to vocally express grief or pain with vigorous shouting | to loudly voice complaints or frustrations with strong emotion
  3. to cry out with great loudness due to emotion | to shout or yell in a manner indicative of distress | to express strong feelings vocally with intense volume and fervor

Etymology: The verb form related to the loud, intense act of crying or shouting traces back to the noun "bawl," which entered English in the late Middle Ages. Originally, "bawl" described loud, harsh cries or calls, often associated with animals or humans expressing distress or anger. Its origins are somewhat uncertain but likely echo imitative sounds—what linguists call onomatopoeia—attempting to capture the noisy, explosive nature of the sound itself. By the 15th century, "bawl" began to be used as a verb, meaning to shout or cry out loudly. The transition from noun to verb was natural, as many English words describing sounds made this leap by extension—moving from the sound as a thing to the act of producing it. This verb sense emphasized a strong, often uncontrolled vocal expression, typically in a public or emotional context. Linguistically, "bawl" may share a distant connection with words in other Germanic languages that mimic loud calls or cries, but it stands primarily as an English formation rooted in sound symbolism. Over time, the verb took on a range of emotional tones, from tears of sorrow to loud, angry shouting, maintaining its core sense of volume and intensity. The plural form "bawls" simply applies the regular English third-person singular present tense ending to the verb, indicating someone who habitually or repeatedly expresses themselves in this forceful manner. Despite its straightforward formation, the word carries with it the vivid imagery of raw, unrestrained human emotion expressed through loud cries.

Synonyms: cries, wails, sobs

Antonyms: laughs, smiles, giggles