—v. (cries, cried) 1 (often foll. By out) make a loud or shrill sound, esp. To express pain, grief, etc., or to appeal for help.

- shed tears; weep.

- (often foll. By out) say or exclaim loudly or excitedly.

- (foll. By for) appeal, demand, or show a need for.

- (of an animal, esp. A bird) make a loud call. —n. (pl. Cries) 1 loud shout or scream of grief, pain, etc.

- spell of weeping.

- loud excited utterance.

- urgent appeal.

- a public demand or opinion. B rallying call.

- call of an animal. cry down disparage. Cry off withdraw from an undertaking. Cry out for need as an obvious requirement or solution. Cry wolf see *wolf. [latin quirito]