bemoan

[bih-mohn]

verb (used with object)

1. to express distress or grief over; lament.

   to bemoan one's fate.

2. to regard with regret or disapproval.

bemoan

/ bɪˈməʊn /

verb

1. to grieve over (a loss, etc); mourn; lament (esp in the phrase bemoan one's fate )

Other Word Forms

• bemoaningly adverb
• unbemoaned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bemoan¹

before 1000; be- + moan; replacing bemene, Middle English bimenen, Old English bimǣnan ( bi- be- + mǣnan to moan)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bemoan¹

Old English bemǣnan ; see _be- , _moan

Example Sentences

Since the 1910s Egyptians had bemoaned the “notorious volatility of tomato prices” the way Americans grouse about fluctuating gasoline prices.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A theme of Celtic's season has been Rodgers bemoaning their transfer business and a perceived lack of quality brought into the club.

Read more on BBC

Right-wing commentator Benny Johnson bemoaned the fact that the rapper has “no songs in English.”

Read more on Salon

She talked about how much she loves this city — “F— ICE forever,” she said at one point to huge applause — but bemoaned the “weird professionalism” she can feel when she’s onstage in L.A.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Many bemoan the interruption of the international break – Liverpool are currently struggling so badly they may just welcome the chance to clear their heads.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• deplore 
• lament 
• mourn 
• regret