groan

[grohn]

noun

1. a low, mournful sound uttered in pain or grief.

   the groans of dying soldiers.

2. a deep, inarticulate sound uttered in derision, disapproval, desire, etc.

3. a deep grating or creaking sound due to a sudden or continued overburdening, as with a great weight.

   We heard the groan of the ropes as the crane lowered the heavy cargo into the ship's hold.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a deep, mournful sound expressive of pain or grief.

2. to make a deep, inarticulate sound expressive of derision, disapproval, desire, etc.

3. to make a sound resembling a groan; resound harshly.

   The steps of the old house groaned under my weight.

4. to be overburdened or overloaded.

5. to suffer greatly or lamentably.

   groaning under an intolerable burden.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or express with groans.

groan

/ ɡrəʊn /

noun

1. a prolonged stressed dull cry expressive of agony, pain, or disapproval

2. a loud harsh creaking sound, as of a tree bending in the wind

3. informal,  a grumble or complaint, esp a persistent one

verb

1. to utter (low inarticulate sounds) expressive of pain, grief, disapproval, etc

   they all groaned at Larry's puns

2. (intr) to make a sound like a groan

3. (intr, usually foll by beneath or under) to be weighed down (by) or suffer greatly (under)

   the country groaned under the dictator's rule

4. informal,  (intr) to complain or grumble

Other Word Forms

• groaner noun
• groaningly adverb
• undergroan noun
• ungroaning adjective
• groaning noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of groan¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English gronen, Old English grānian; cognate with German greinen “to whine”

Word History and Origins

Origin of groan¹

Old English grānian ; related to Old Norse grīna, Old High German grīnan; see _grin

Synonym Study

Groan, moan refer to sounds indicating deep suffering. A groan is a brief, strong, deep-throated sound emitted involuntarily under pressure of pain or suffering: The wounded man groaned when they lifted him. A moan is a prolonged, more or less continuous, low, inarticulate sound indicative of suffering, either physical or mental: She was moaning after the operation. She did not weep, but moaned softly.

Example Sentences

“He’s coming,” the children cried, when the bus groaned to a halt at 9:35 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

As in the prime "Fergie Time" days, there is now an audible groan from opposing fans when the board goes up for added time when Liverpool are seeking a winner.

From BBC

Kuang was taking readers to hell in her newest book, I groaned.

From Los Angeles Times

The laughter and groans, the suspenseful silence of those watching play as big a part as whatever is happening on stage.

From Los Angeles Times

“There’s got to be a better way to do this,” he groans.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• grunt 
• sigh 
• sob 
• whine