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

I manage to croak out a thanks and take my order from Glen.

From Literature

I was as starved for the sight of a human face as for the food and tried in a hoarse croak to start a conversation.

From Literature

He tried to say yes, but it came out as a croak.

From Literature

When he finally spoke, his voice croaked with misery.

From Literature

“Rowdy,” I said, in a croaking voice, “don’t jump on that monkey. I don’t think he means to harm us. I think he’s bluffing, or at least I hope he is.”

From Literature