cry out
Britishverb
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to scream or shout aloud, esp in pain, terror, etc
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informal (often foll by for) to demand in an obvious manner
our inner cities are crying out for redevelopment
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informal an exclamation of anger or dismay
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A people can’t cry out for deliverance while refusing correction or ask God for justice while excusing wrongdoing in its own ranks.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026
A British couple jailed in Iran after being accused of espionage have gone on hunger strike in a "cry out for help", their son has told the BBC.
From BBC • Nov. 12, 2025
Her right knee appeared to be untouched, but it twisted nonetheless, causing Watkins to immediately cry out as the previously deafeningly enthusiastic crowd around her grew sweepingly silent.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025
In one clip, as a soldier talks to a woman, presumably his wife, their children cry out, “We love and miss you.”
From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2024
I wanted to cry out, but I thought it best to stay silent.
From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.