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cry out

B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive

To shout or exclaim loudly, usually because of pain, fear, surprise, or strong emotion.

In plain English

To make a loud sound, like a shout or scream, because something hurts, scares, or surprises you.

What does "cry out" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 neutral

To shout or make a loud sound, especially because of pain, fear, or surprise.

"She cried out in pain when she twisted her ankle on the uneven path."

Then the whole congregation cried out with a loud voice.

— The Bible, Nehemiah 9:4 (NIV)
inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To speak or call out loudly to attract attention or to protest.

"He cried out for the waiter but the restaurant was too noisy for anyone to hear."

inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To say something emphatically or in strong protest.

"'This is completely unfair!' she cried out as the verdict was read."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To cry (make a sound) outward — projecting the sound outward from the body.

Actually means

To make a loud sound, like a shout or scream, because something hurts, scares, or surprises you.

Usage tip

Common in both literal and figurative uses. Can be followed by a quote (she cried out, 'Help!') or used intransitively. Also used figuratively for protest or appeal.

Words that pair with "cry out"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

pain warning alarm protest help name

How to conjugate "cry out"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
cry out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cries out
he/she/it
Past simple
cried out
yesterday
Past participle
cried out
have + pp
-ing form
crying out
continuous

Hear "cry out" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "cry out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "cry out"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

call out exclaim scream shout shriek yell

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.