Cry Meaning

UK /kraɪ/
US /kraɪ/
Word Definition
cry meaning

Cry Definition & Usage

verb

To shed tears, typically as a result of strong emotions such as sadness, grief, or pain.

Examples

  • "She cried uncontrollably after hearing the news of her friend's passing."
  • "The child cried when his toy broke in half."
  • "He tried not to cry during the movie, but the scene was just too emotional."
  • "I can’t help but cry whenever I hear that song."
  • "After the argument, she cried in the corner, overwhelmed by feelings of betrayal."
verb

To utter a loud sound or vocalization, often out of frustration, anger, or need for attention.

Examples

  • "He cried out for help as the fire engulfed the building."
  • "She cried for a cab, her hand frantically waving in the air."
  • "The child cried for his mother when he couldn’t find her at the store."
  • "Don’t cry out in the middle of the night, it might wake everyone up."
  • "In the chaos, he cried for the authorities, hoping someone would listen."
verb

To complain or express dissatisfaction in a continuous or exaggerated manner.

Examples

  • "Stop crying about the rain, we’ll get there eventually."
  • "She’s always crying over minor issues at work."
  • "He cried about not getting the promotion, even though it wasn’t his time."
  • "There’s no need to cry over spilled milk; it’s already done."
  • "It’s tiring to hear you cry about the same thing every day."

Cultural Context

Crying has various cultural connotations depending on context. In many cultures, crying is seen as a natural response to strong emotions and is generally accepted, especially in private or intimate settings. However, there are social stigmas in some societies regarding the public display of emotions, especially for men, who might be discouraged from crying. In modern media, crying is often portrayed as an emotional release and a sign of vulnerability, but sometimes also as a plot device to symbolize emotional depth or change.

The Sound of Silence

Story

The Sound of Silence

It was a quiet, grey afternoon in the little town of Maplewood. In the corner of the dimly lit living room, Clara sat, staring at the letter in her hand. The ink was smudged from the tears that had fallen on it, and the paper felt damp. She had known this moment would come—she had known that one day, her best friend would leave, but it didn’t make it any easier. With a shaky breath, she allowed herself to cry again, her chest heaving with the force of it. Her tears soaked into the letter, the final piece of her friend's goodbye. Outside, the wind howled as if it, too, felt her sorrow. Clara wiped her eyes, trying to steady herself. Just then, there was a loud knock on the door. Her heart skipped. She wasn't expecting anyone, but she had to answer. 'Clara!' a voice shouted from the other side, 'Clara, help me!' It was James, her neighbor. She rushed to the door, and as soon as she opened it, he stumbled inside. 'I couldn’t make it. The car broke down and I… I was crying out for help!' he said, panting and shaking. Clara was taken aback by his words. 'James, you’re here now. That’s what matters.' They both sat down, and for a long moment, no words were needed. James, still catching his breath, looked at Clara and said, 'You don’t have to cry alone, you know.' Clara nodded, realizing that even in the most painful moments, there was always someone who would understand. Together, they sat in silence, both coming to terms with their own sadness in different ways. Sometimes, crying wasn’t just an act of sorrow—it was an act of connection too.

The Sound of Silence