Bawl

Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/bɔːl/

Definitions

1. (Verb) To cry loudly or noisily, typically in a way that is uncontrolled or emotional.

2. (Verb) To shout or yell in a loud and typically unpleasant manner.

3. (Noun) A loud and emotional cry, often accompanied by sobbing.

Usage Examples

• "The child began to bawl after falling off his bike."
• "She bawled out the news of her promotion to everyone in the office."
• "The bawl of the baby could be heard from across the street."

Etymology

The word "bawl" comes from the Middle English word "bawlen," meaning to cry out or shout, which in turn originated from the Old Norse word "bala," meaning a cry or scream. It has been used since the 14th century to describe loud crying or shouting.

Synonyms

• Yell
• Cry
• Scream
• Shout
• Howl

Antonyms

• Whisper
• Quiet
• Murmur
• Hush
• Calm

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• Standard English: /bɔːl/
• American English: /bɔːl/
• British English: /bɔːl/

Historical Usage

The word "bawl" has been in use since the late Middle Ages, primarily to describe loud crying or shouting. Historically, it was commonly used in the context of both children’s tantrums and adults expressing distress, often in a public or uncontrolled manner. Over time, it has been associated with both emotional outbursts and vocalizations of anger or frustration.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, bawling is seen as a natural expression of emotion, especially in times of grief or anger. In contrast, in other cultures, it is viewed as a loss of self-control or a behavior to be suppressed in public. The cultural interpretation of "bawling" can influence how people view such emotional outbursts, and in some societies, it's not as acceptable in adult behavior, while in others, it may be encouraged as an emotional release.

More Information

"Bawl" remains a versatile term, used across many dialects to describe both literal crying and figurative loud shouting. Its usage in literature and popular culture reflects its connection to strong emotional expressions. Whether describing a child’s tantrum or a grown person’s outburst, the word has a certain rawness, making it distinct from more moderate expressions of weeping or shouting.