Main Entry: ¹sor·row

Pronunciation: \ˈsär-(ˌ)ō, ˈsȯr-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English sorow, from Old English sorg; akin to Old High German sorga sorrow

Date: before 12th century

1 a : deep distress, sadness, or regret especially for the loss of someone or something loved b : resultant unhappy or unpleasant state <to their great sorrow they could not marry>
2 : a cause of grief or sadness
3 : a display of grief or sadness

synonyms sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind. sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse <a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death>. grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause <the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents>. anguish suggests torturing grief or dread <the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child>. woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery <cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city>. regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse <nagging regret for missed opportunities>.