bawl
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /bɔːl/
KK: /bɔl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To cry or shout loudly, often in a way that shows strong emotion.
Example
The child began to bawl when he lost his toy.
Tense Forms
Past: bawled
Past Participle: bawled
Conversation
Did you hear that baby bawl in the store today?
Yeah, it was hard to concentrate with all that noise!
I know, it sounded like they were really upset.
Poor thing, sometimes you just need to let it all out and bawl.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wail
howl
yell
Antonyms
whisper
murmur
suppress
noun
Definition
A loud and strong cry, often expressing sadness or pain.
Example
The child let out a bawl when he fell off his bike.
Conversation
Did you hear that loud bawl from the park earlier?
Yeah, it sounded like someone was really upset.
I wonder what happened to make them bawl like that.
transitive verb
Definition
To shout or cry out loudly and with strong emotion.
Example
The child began to bawl when he lost his toy.
Tense Forms
Past: bawled
Past Participle: bawled
Conversation
Did you hear him bawl during the game yesterday?
Yeah, I thought he was going to lose his voice!
It was so loud, I couldn't help but laugh.
Root Explanation
The word 'bawl' originates from Middle English 'bawlen', which is of uncertain origin but is thought to be imitative of the sound of crying or shouting. It means to cry out loudly or to weep noisily.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone making a loud, crying sound — that's what 'bawl' means, as it reflects the noise of someone crying out.
Visually Confused Words
brawl
baw
bal
awl
rebawl
brawly
barwal