sob

¹ American  

[sob] / sɒb /

verb (used without object)

sobbed, sobbing

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

2. to make a sound resembling this.

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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 American  

Or SOB

abbreviation

(sometimes lowercase)

1. son of a bitch.

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sob ¹ British  

/ 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

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noun

1. a convulsive gasp made in weeping

s.o.b. ² British  

abbreviation

1. son of a bitch

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of sob

1150–1200; Middle English sobben, apparently imitative

Example Sentences

Sullivan said, pulling his friend in for a bear hug as they both sobbed.

From Los Angeles Times

"I made my home in America, now this is my home. If I leave here where I have to go then?" sobbed Maryam.

From Barron's

"You give me strength at a time when you need strength yourselves. And I try to do the same," he said to Matilda's parents, who sobbed in the front row.

From BBC

A woman behind me quietly sobbed as she sang and clapped along to the more spirited songs.

From BBC

"I don't want to die," a girl called Alexandra from Ghana sobbed.

From BBC

Related Words

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