sob

Sob is a verb meaning to cry noisily, often with convulsive breathing. It describes the act of sobbing, and the related noun “a sob” refers to the cry itself or the sound, while “sobbing” is the present participle. An example: “She began to sob after hearing the news.” The term is often used for a single cry or a period of crying.

The word’s origin is uncertain, but it appears in late Middle English and is commonly considered onomatopoeic, reflecting the sound of crying. The pronunciation is straightforward in English, typically /sɒb/ or /sɑːb/ depending on dialect.

In medical contexts, SOB stands for shortness of breath, also called dyspnea. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis and can arise from a range of conditions affecting the lungs, heart, or circulation, as well as from anxiety or extreme exertion. It is commonly documented in clinical notes and patient history.

SOB or S.O.B. can also be an initialism for the vulgar insult “son of a bitch.” In informal writing or dialogue, it may appear as a shorthand for a hostile remark. Because it is offensive in many settings, its use is generally avoided in formal writing and public communication.

See also: crying, sobbing, dyspnea, respiratory symptoms, insults.