Cry

Cry is the act of shedding tears in response to an emotional state or physical irritation, but tears also serve to lubricate and protect the eye. In humans and some mammals, crying is produced by the lacrimal glands, with tears draining through the nasolacrimal ducts into the nose.

There are three major types of tears: basal tears that protect the eye, reflex tears produced in response to irritants such as dust or onion, and emotional tears triggered by feelings such as sadness, frustration, or joy. Emotional crying often involves complex social and neural processes and can be accompanied by changes in facial expression and vocalization. Some research suggests emotional tears carry chemical signals that may influence social bonding and trigger caregiving responses in observers. The act can also influence arousal levels and mood after crying.

Crying develops early in life and is a common human behavior worldwide. Cultural norms and personal experiences shape when, how, and with whom people cry, as well as judgments about the acceptability of crying in various contexts. Gender norms have historically associated crying with femininity in many societies, though contemporary research indicates rates vary and are influenced by context, age, and culture.

In culture and literature, crying is frequently used as a symbol of vulnerability, emotional release, and empathy. In art and film, scenes of crying can convey character development or moral themes. Crying can also refer more broadly to the act of calling out or shouting, such as a cry of alarm, but this usage is semantically distinct from tearful crying.