sob

[ sob ]

/ sɒb /

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See synonyms for sob on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), sobbed, sob·bing.

to weep with a convulsive catching of the breath.

to make a sound resembling this.

verb (used with object), sobbed, sob·bing.

to utter with sobs.

to put, send, etc., by sobbing or with sobs: to sob oneself to sleep.

noun

the act of sobbing; a convulsive catching of the breath in weeping.

any sound suggesting this.

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of sob

1150–1200; Middle English sobben, apparently imitative

OTHER WORDS FROM sob

sobber, nounsob·bing·ly, adverbsobful, adjective

Words nearby sob

soaring, so as to, soave, Soave operation, Soay, sob, soba, sobeit, sober, sober as a judge, sober-headed

Other definitions for sob (2 of 2)

S.O.B.

or SOB

abbreviation (sometimes lowercase)Slang.

son of a bitch.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use sob in a sentence

I am sitting on the Turkish-Syrian border, adjacent to the city of Kobani, watching hundreds of children sob.
Remembering Kobani Before The Siege|Mustafa Abdi, Movements.Org, Advancing Human Rights|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Until 1972 it was called simply The Senate Office Building – SOB for short.
My Coffee Klatch With Rand Paul|P. J. O’Rourke|September 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I remember Cat Deeley literally took your head into her arms and let you sob on her shoulder.
'So You Think You Can Dance' Winner Ricky Ubeda Is Adorable, and Tired|Kevin Fallon|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She waited for the inexplicable sentiment to fade away, but instead it intensified and she began to sob.
Knocking on Heaven's Door: True Stories of Unexplained, Uncanny Experiences at the Hour of Death|Patricia Pearson|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Finally, Cleese goose-steps out of the dining room as the hapless Germans cringe and sob.
Life Under Air Strikes: Children Under Fire Will Never Forget — or Forgive|Clive Irving|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A sob rose in her throat, and broke from her lips transformed into a trembling, sharp, glad cry.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden
No sob, no sigh, forced its way from her heart, throbbing as though it would burst.
The Girls of Central High on the Stage|Gertrude W. Morrison
And no sooner had she guessed it than, with a choking sob, she told herself that what madame could do that could she also.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
He was choking down a sob when he caught sight of some women with packs upon their backs.
The Later Cave-Men|Katharine Elizabeth Dopp
“No,” she said decidedly; and her little lips were tightly compressed, so that they should not give vent to a sob.
The Bag of Diamonds|George Manville Fenn

British Dictionary definitions for sob (1 of 2)

sob

/ (sɒb) /

verb sobs, sobbing or sobbed

(intr) to weep with convulsive gasps

(tr) to utter with sobs

to cause (oneself) to be in a specified state by sobbingto sob oneself to sleep

noun

a convulsive gasp made in weeping

Derived forms of sob

sobber, nounsobbing, noun, adjective

Word Origin for sob

C12: probably from Low German; compare Dutch sabben to suck

British Dictionary definitions for sob (2 of 2)

s.o.b.

/ slang, mainly US and Canadian /

abbreviation for

son of a bitch

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for sob

SOB

abbr.

shortness of breath