vociferate

American  

[voh-sif-uh-reyt] / voʊˈsɪf əˌreɪt /

verb (used with or without object)

vociferated, vociferating

1. to speak or cry out loudly or noisily; shout; bawl.

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vociferate British  

/ vəʊˈsɪfəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to exclaim or cry out about (something) clamorously, vehemently, or insistently

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Other Word Forms

• vociferation
  noun
• vociferator
  noun
• outvociferate
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of vociferate

1590–1600; < Latin vōciferātus (past participle of vōciferāri to shout), equivalent to vōci-, stem of vōx voice + fer ( re ) to bear ¹ + -ātus -ate ¹

Explanation

To vociferate is to shout, wail, or yell loudly and vehemently. People vociferate when they want to be heard. Vociferating is a fancy word for shouting. During a chase, a police officer might vociferate, "Stop!" In sports, coaches are often seen vociferating at referees to protest a bad call. While parents might vociferate when a child is in danger or misbehaving, the word implies a loud, forceful outcry rather than just talking loudly. Because it involves being loud and making a scene, you should never vociferate in a quiet place like a library or a theater — unless there's an emergency.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vociferate vociferated vociferating

These bronze rowdies whoop and vociferate on all sides.

From Time Magazine Archive

What ordinary tongue shall dare to vociferate egotistic dogmatisms where an inspired apostle whispers, with reverential reserve, "We see through a glass darkly"?

From The Destiny of the Soul A Critical History of the Doctrine of a Future Life by Alger, William Rounseville

He replied audibly enough, in a fashion which made my companion vociferate, more clamorously than before, that a wide distinction might be drawn between saints like himself and sinners like his master. 

From Wuthering Heights by Brontë, Emily

While he could vociferate that sound, he had rights as an Englishman, and would not sleep in a gutter, like a dog!

From Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1 by Mackay, Charles

To cry out with a loud, full sound; to cry with vehemence, as in calling or exultation; to shout; to vociferate.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

Now another bellower cupped his hands, vociferated: "Long cheer for Pound!"

From Time Magazine Archive

The story you have told," Senator Norris vociferated, "is a falsehood.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week Asquithians and Georgians vociferated over an issue of molehill stature which they erected into a Liberal mountain.

From Time Magazine Archive

"Who says that's a lie?" vociferated the Squire, jerking his head around.

From The Puddleford Papers, Or Humors of the West by Riley, H. H.

"Thy sentinel am I!" he vociferated, barking himself backwards into the hall, in proper strategic retreat upon his base.

From In Mr. Knox's Country by Ross, Martin

Not until last week did George Moore know the crude, earthy, tangible joy of having written a play which London proceeded to applaud, not merely from the lordly stalls but from the common, vociferating gallery.

From Time Magazine Archive

The shops were all open, the artificers all at work, the unintelligible criers vociferating their wares, and the people in their working-day dresses.

From Pencillings by the Way Written During Some Years of Residence and Travel in Europe by Willis, N. Parker

He waited till the last was in sight; then, letting go his hold upon the captive, he rushed back towards the men, fiercely vociferating as he went.

From The Finger of Fate A Romance by Reid, Mayne

Next moment, and, without even staying to make reply to the communication which the messenger had made, he rushed on towards the gate of the courtyard, loudly vociferating, “To horse—every man to horse!”

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne

Vociferā′tion, act of vociferating: a violent or loud outcry; Vocif′erātor.—v.t.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various