sob

UK: sɒb | US: sɑːb

Definition
  1. n. a convulsive catching of the breath in weeping

  2. vi. to weep with convulsive gasping or sudden, audible breaths

Structure

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Etymology

The word "sob" is an onomatopoeic term, directly mimicking the sound of someone crying with short, gasping breaths. It originated in Middle English (circa 13th century) as "sobben," likely derived from the Old English "sēofan" (to sigh or lament), but its primary form reflects the natural sound of weeping. Unlike compound words, it cannot be split further, as its meaning is tied to its auditory imitation.

Examples
  1. She couldn't speak and only managed a quiet sob.

  2. The child began to sob uncontrollably after dropping the ice cream.

  3. He heard her sob softly in the dark room.

  4. A sob escaped her lips as she read the letter.

  5. The movie’s ending left the audience in tears, with audible sobs.