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

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

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

“Execs walked out sobbing, saying, ‘I can’t go back to work.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"She was sobbing and screaming and sobbing and sobbing," Mr Currie said.

Read more on BBC

"Our son is dead, people are dead and the government has done nothing," she sobbed bitterly.

Read more on Barron's

Her signature bowler hat and ties became a fashion staple, and fans still can’t think of the song “Seems Like Old Times” without sobbing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As her evidence finished, Ms Wandelt sobbed loudly and was led away from the dock after shouting "why are you doing this to me?"

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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