sob

¹

[sob]

verb (used without object)

sobbed, sobbing 

1. to weep with a convulsive catching of the breath.

2. to make a sound resembling this.

verb (used with object)

sobbed, sobbing 

1. to utter with sobs.

2. to put, send, etc., by sobbing or with sobs.

   to sob oneself to sleep.

noun

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

2. any sound suggesting this.

S.O.B.

²

Or SOB

abbreviation

(sometimes lowercase)

1. son of a bitch.

sob

¹

/ sɒb /

verb

1. (intr) to weep with convulsive gasps

2. (tr) to utter with sobs

3. to cause (oneself) to be in a specified state by sobbing

   to sob oneself to sleep

noun

1. a convulsive gasp made in weeping

s.o.b.

²

abbreviation

1. son of a bitch

Other Word Forms

• sobber noun
• sobbingly adverb
• sobful adjective
• sobbing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sob¹

1150–1200; Middle English sobben, apparently imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of sob¹

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

Example Sentences

Some of the men tried to play cool until Hansen took out their chat transcripts; others sobbed and asked for therapeutic help.

From Los Angeles Times

A sobbing Kid Rock tells the reporters, “I’m just so happy.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I will never give up on the Ryder Cup,” he sobbed.

From Los Angeles Times

The 65,000 fans in attendance undoubtedly showed up sobbing and screeching with unbridled elation.

From Los Angeles Times

"I put my life in his hands and he strung me like a puppet," she told the judge, sobbing, before her sentencing on Thursday.

From BBC

Related Words

• bawl 
• break down 
• howl 
• wail 
• weep 
• whimper