weep

Weep is a verb with two common senses. The primary meaning is to shed tears, or to cry, typically in response to sadness, grief, pain, or sometimes joy. Intransitive use is most typical: for example, “She began to weep.” The verb can also be used figuratively to express intense emotion or regret, as in “they weep for their lost time.” The present tense forms are weep and weeps; the past tense and past participle are wept; the present participle is weeping.

A second sense of weep describes the gradual leakage or exudation of liquid through small openings or surfaces. In this sense, objects or materials may weep moisture, sap, or resin. In architecture and building maintenance, the term weep hole refers to a small opening designed to allow moisture to escape and prevent accumulation.

The word also enters figurative and descriptive language in culture and literature, where weeping is used to convey sorrow, compassion, or emotional release. The phrase weeping with joy is a common expression that uses the same verb in a positive context.

Weep is connected to the related noun and adjective forms used in various phrases, such as weeping willows, which describe trees with drooping branches that appear to shed tears. The usage and nuance of weep depend on context, ranging from literal crying to the slow escape of moisture from a material.

Grammatically, weep follows irregular verb forms: present weep/weeps, past tense wept, and past participle wept. See also crying, tears, and weeping willows.