Yow

Part of speech: interjection, verb

Definitions

1. To utter a loud, sharp cry or yell often expressing pain, fear, or excitement ; to emit a wailing sound similar to a cat's loud meow ; a sharp exclamation indicating distress or surprise
2. To make a high-pitched or prolonged cry typically from animals or humans when in discomfort or alarm ; to produce a sound resembling a cat's vocalization ; a sudden sharp sound meant to attract attention or express emotion
3. To give a loud, piercing shout or howl as a form of vocal expression in response to pain or surprise ; to create a sharp, catlike call ; a sudden loud outcry signaling distress or strong emotion

Etymology: The verb "yow" is a clipped form of "yowl," and the two words are closely related to "yell." Both trace back to Old English forms such as "giellan" and "gēolian," meaning to cry out loudly. "Yowl" appears in Middle English, so the family is old, though exact dates for the short form are uncertain. Its sound is imitative, which is why it suits the wailing of an animal or a person in pain. The interjection use is a later extension of the same sound. The cry itself is the source, and the word names the noise before it names a feeling. That is why a single syllable can serve as a verb, a noun for the sound, and an exclamation.

Synonyms: meow, howl, yowl, cry