wail
UK: weɪl | US: weɪl
vi. to utter a prolonged, high-pitched cry of grief, pain, or distress
vt. to lament or mourn with a wailing sound
n. a prolonged, high-pitched cry expressing grief or pain
The word "wail" originates from Old Norse væla, meaning "to lament," likely imitative of the sound of crying. It entered Middle English as weilen or wailen, retaining its core meaning of expressing sorrow through vocalization. As an onomatopoeic word, its structure is compact and indivisible, reflecting the direct mimicry of a mournful sound.
The child began to wail after scraping his knee.
Mourners wailed at the funeral, their cries echoing through the chapel.
The wind wailed through the cracks in the old house.
She wailed in despair when she heard the tragic news.
A lone coyote wailed in the distance under the full moon.