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

My mother sobbed as I was taken away.

Read more on Literature

The centerpiece is a moment in which he performs a Method reading of a dinner menu that dissolves into sobbing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If instituting fair grades leads to crying, sobbing and “soul-crushing” setbacks, I wish her luck should she ever be called on to dig out a ruptured appendix at 3 a.m. on her birthday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I skipped classes on Monday, and I was just sobbing in bed because I felt like I try so hard in my classes, and my grades aren’t even the best.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“She almost started sobbing in front of me. She recovered quickly.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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