English noun: wail | |||
1. | wail (communication) a cry of sorrow and grief | ||
Samples | Their pitiful laments could be heard throughout the ward. | ||
Synonyms | lament, lamentation, plaint | ||
Broader (hypernym) | complaint | ||
English verb: wail | |||
1. | wail (communication) emit long loud cries | ||
Samples | Wail in self-pity. Howl with sorrow. | ||
Examples | You can hear animals wail in the meadows, The meadows wail with animals | ||
Synonyms | howl, roar, ululate, yaup, yawl | ||
Pattern of use | Something ----s. Somebody ----s | ||
Broader (hypernym) | call, cry, holler, hollo, scream, shout, shout out, squall, yell | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | squall, waul, wawl | ||
2. | wail (body) cry weakly or softly | ||
Samples | She wailed with pain. | ||
Synonyms | mewl, pule, whimper | ||
Pattern of use | Somebody ----s | ||
Broader (hypernym) | cry, weep | ||