Ululate

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈjuːljuleɪt/

Definitions

1. To produce a prolonged, high-pitched vocalization that conveys feelings of sadness or joy in a rhythmic manner
2. To create a sorrowful or passionate vocal sound, often characterized by its wavering pitch, indicating strong emotions
3. To emit a loud, wavering vocal sound that expresses intense emotions, often associated with grief or celebration, in a rhythmic and melodic way

Etymology: Ululate is borrowed from Latin "ululare," the verb for a loud wailing cry, and the sound itself is the story: the Latin word was imitative, built to echo the noise it described. The same wailing root turns up across Romance languages, in Spanish "aullar" (to howl), French "ululer" (to howl), and the Spanish "ulular" (to hoot, as an owl does), so the cry has been reproduced in much the same way in several tongues. The English verb carries the same meaning of a long, high, mournful cry, most often one of grief, which is why the word still sounds more like lamentation than ordinary noise. Its shape also follows the Latin pattern, with "-ate" marking it as a verb taken over from Latin.

Synonyms: howl, wail, keen, lament, yowl

Antonyms: be quiet, silence, muffle, calm, suppress