SINCE 1828
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.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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