cry

v. & n.
—v. (cries, cried)
1 intr. (often foll. by out) make a loud or shrill sound, esp. to express pain, grief, etc., or to appeal for help.
2 a intr. shed tears; weep. b tr. shed (tears).
3 tr. (often foll. by out) say or exclaim loudly or excitedly.
4 intr. (of an animal, esp. a bird) make a loud call.
5 tr. (of a hawker etc.) proclaim (wares etc.) in the street.
—n. (pl. cries)
1 a loud inarticulate utterance of grief, pain, fear, joy, etc.
2 a loud excited utterance of words.
3 an urgent appeal or entreaty.
4 a spell of weeping.
5 a public demand; a strong movement of opinion. b a watchword or rallying call.
6 the natural utterance of an animal, esp. of hounds on the scent.
7 the street-call of a hawker etc.
Phrases and idioms:
cry-baby a person, esp. a child, who sheds tears frequently. cry down disparage, belittle. cry one's eyes (or heart) out weep bitterly. cry for the moon ask for what is unattainable. cry from the heart a passionate appeal or protest. cry off colloq. withdraw from a promise or undertaking. cry out for demand as a self-evident requirement or solution. cry over spilt milk see MILK. cry stinking fish disparage one's own efforts, products, etc. cry up praise, extol. cry wolf see WOLF. a far cry
1 a long way.
2 a very different thing. for crying out loud colloq. an exclamation of surprise or annoyance. in full cry (of hounds) in keen pursuit.
Etymology: ME f. OF crier, cri f. L quiritare wail