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

To vociferate is commonly applied to loud and excited speech where there is little besides the exertion of voice.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

And on this he began to vociferate, and scream out so loudly, 'Fire!--murder!--thieves!--help!' that I thought of nothing but getting out of the house as speedily as possible.

From The Serapion Brethren. Vol. II by Hoffmann, Ernst Theordor Wilhelm

My astonishment and dismay were unbounded at hearing Captain Reud still vociferate, “Up higher, sir.”

From Rattlin the Reefer by Marryat, Frederick

At present it is common to vociferate concerning faith, and yet one cannot understand what faith is, unless repentance is preached.

From Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church by Bente, F. (Friedrich)

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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

"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

"I have got some pink paper," Carl vociferated.

From Salome by Marshall, Emma

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

O'Byrn's appearance, when he had selected and donned his new ready-made suit, rakish derby and vociferating shirt, was decidedly tracky.

From The Lash by Lyman, Olin L.

Then, casting a mild and melancholy glance at the exasperated crowd, she said to La Louve, who persisted in vociferating, "Will you dare to call us cowards again?"

From The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 3 of 6 by Sue, Eugène

It is impossible that London can ever again see a man bent beneath the weight of a yoke and two enormous pails, vociferating "New River Water."

From Knowledge is Power: A View of the Productive Forces of Modern Society and the Results of Labor, Capital and Skill. by Knight, Charles

In our walks, the boys frequently screamed after and cheered us, loudly vociferating, “Ibrahim Pasha!”

From The Thistle and the Cedar of Lebanon by Risk Allah, Habeeb