Bawl

Bawl is a verb meaning to cry or wail loudly, often with little restraint. It can also mean to shout or call out in a loud, harsh voice. As a noun, bawl denotes a loud cry or wail. The term is commonly used to describe both extreme crying by a person or an animal and loud vocalizations in anger or distress.

Common phrases include bawl out, meaning to reprimand someone loudly and angrily. Bawling is also used to describe intense crying, typically by a baby or a distressed person. The action can be performed by people, and the term is widely understood in everyday language.

Etymology: The exact origin of bawl is uncertain, but the word is of English origin with roots in the older Germanic languages. It is often regarded as onomatopoeic, reflecting the perceived sound of crying or shouting. The form has appeared in English since the Middle English period and remains productive in modern usage.

Usage notes: In formal writing, bawl is typically confined to informal contexts or literary usage. For more neutral or precise language, alternatives such as cry, sob, or shout may be preferred depending on the context. The phrasal verb bawl out is used specifically to describe loud, admonishing reprimands directed at someone.

Examples: The child began to bawl when the toy was taken away. The coach bawled at the players for their lapse in concentration.