sob

¹ American  

[sob] / sɒb /

verb (used without object)

sobbed, sobbing

1. to weep with a convulsive catching of the breath.

2. to make a sound resembling this.

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verb (used with object)

sobbed, sobbing

1. to utter with sobs.

2. to put, send, etc., by sobbing or with sobs.

   to sob oneself to sleep.

noun

1. the act of sobbing; a convulsive catching of the breath in weeping.

2. any sound suggesting this.

S.O.B. ² American  

Or SOB

abbreviation

(sometimes lowercase)

1. son of a bitch.

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sob ¹ British  

/ sɒb /

verb

1. (intr) to weep with convulsive gasps

2. (tr) to utter with sobs

3. to cause (oneself) to be in a specified state by sobbing

   to sob oneself to sleep

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noun

1. a convulsive gasp made in weeping

s.o.b. ² British  

abbreviation

1. son of a bitch

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Other Word Forms

• sobber noun
• sobbing noun
• sobbingly adverb
• sobful adjective

Etymology

Origin of sob

1150–1200; Middle English sobben, apparently imitative

Example Sentences

Christopher moved so that their arms were touching, and she leaned into his side and sobbed like she would never stop.

From Literature

Since then, he’s suffered from bouts of uncontrolled sobbing and relentless nightmares.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I swear to you, I have no reason to lie to you. Lord Jesus Christ,” she is heard sobbing into the phone on video.

From Los Angeles Times

Inside, Boo is holding on to the big stuffed frog, sobbing.

From Literature

He was standing now, and Hannah was collapsed on the floor, sobbing against the leg of his jeans.

From Literature

Related Words

• bawl
• break down
• howl
• wail
• weep
• whimper