croak

American  

[krohk] / kroʊk /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter or announce by croaking.

2. Slang. to kill.

noun

1. the act or sound of croaking.

croak British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a low hoarse utterance or sound

Other Word Forms

• croakily adverb
• croakiness noun
• croaky adjective

Etymology

Origin of croak

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

Example Sentences

There’s a wicked irony in micromanaging your entire life on Earth only to croak and have your soul potentially jettisoned to some formless state of being, entirely unknown to mere mortals.

From Salon

“Do you believe yourself to be cured?” she croaked; indeed, for a moment she wondered if Edward Ashton had somehow already succeeded in his quest.

From Literature

“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?”

From Literature

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

From Literature

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

From Literature