croak

[krohk]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a low-pitched, harsh cry, as the sound of a frog or a raven.

2. to speak with a low, rasping voice.

3. Slang.,  to die.

4. to talk despondingly; prophesy trouble or evil; grumble.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or announce by croaking.

2. Slang.,  to kill.

noun

1. the act or sound of croaking.

croak

/ krəʊk /

verb

1. (intr) (of frogs, crows, etc) to make a low, hoarse cry

2. to utter (something) in this manner

   he croaked out the news

3. (intr) to grumble or be pessimistic

4. slang

   1. (intr) to die

   2. (tr) to kill

noun

1. a low hoarse utterance or sound

Other Word Forms

• croaky adjective
• croakily adverb
• croakiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

1550–60; earlier croke, probably imitative; compare Old English cræcetian (of a raven) to croak

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

Old English crācettan; related to Old Norse krāka a crow; see _creak

Example Sentences

Then he gazed up at Penelope and croaked, “Highly contagious! Plague, perhaps?”

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“And your croaking, if called for. And we shall not rest until Bertha is found and securely leashed, for her safe return to this very POE. Understood?”

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“Ahoy, matey!” it croaked, blinking at the audience.

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She crawled out from under me, croaked a few angry words, and swam off.

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“Even if I wanted to go home, I don’t know the way no more,” Robbie croaks.

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