cry out

phrasal verb

cried out; crying out; cries out

Definition of cry out

1 : to make a loud sound because of pain, fear, surprise, etc. She cried out in pain.

2 : to speak in a loud voice : to say something loudly or from a distance We could hear them on the shore crying out to us, so we waved. She cried out for help.

3 —used to say that something clearly needs or should have a particular thing, person, use, etc. —often + to be A chair like this cries out to be used, not kept in some museum.The meal cried out to be eaten with a nice white wine. —often + for The meal cried out for a nice white wine.The job cries out for someone who's not afraid to take chances.