outcry

UK: ˈaʊtkraɪ | US: ˈaʊtkraɪ

Definition

  1. n. a strong public protest or expression of anger

  2. n. a loud shout or scream

Structure
out <external, beyond>cry <shout>
Etymology

The word "outcry" combines "out," from Old English "ūt" (meaning "external" or "beyond"), and "cry," from Old French "crier" (meaning "to shout"). It originally referred to a literal loud shout but evolved to signify a public protest or vehement expression of dissent, emphasizing the idea of voices projecting "outward" into public awareness.

Examples

  1. The new tax law sparked a public outcry.

  2. She let out an outcry when she saw the accident.

  3. The outcry against the policy forced the government to reconsider.

  4. His speech was met with an outcry from the audience.

  5. Environmental groups raised an outcry over the deforestation plan.