proclaim

play

verb pro·claim \prō-ˈklām, prə-\

Definition of proclaim

transitive verb
1a : to declare publicly, typically insistently, proudly, or defiantly and in either speech or writing : announceb : to give outward indication of : show his manner proclaimed his genteel upbringing
2 : to declare or declare to be solemnly, officially, or formally proclaim an amnesty proclaim the country a republic
3 : to praise or glorify openly or publicly : extol proclaimed the rescue workers' efforts

proclaimer

noun

See proclaim defined for English-language learners

See proclaim defined for kids

Examples of proclaim in a Sentence

She proclaimed that she will run for governor.
The President proclaimed a national day of mourning.
He took command of the government and proclaimed himself emperor.
The magazine proclaimed him to be the best player in baseball.
He proclaimed his love for her in a poem.
His behavior proclaimed his good upbringing.

Recent Examples of proclaim from the Web

But on Friday, Wilson proclaimed himself 100 percent healthy, and Carroll noted that his arm strength appears better ever.

— larry stone, The Seattle Times, "Despite eventful offseason, Seahawks QB Russell Wilson’s message stays on point", 2 June 2017
Eighty-four U.S. mayors representing 40 million Americans also proclaimed their support for the Paris Agreement, in a separate joint statement.

— National Geographic, "Map Shows How Paris Reversal Isolates U.S. From World", 2 June 2017
The nonprofit has seen more companies proclaiming that their businesses are trans-friendly and instituting fair employment policies.

— jacob gedetsis, kansascity, "Hallmark’s trans-friendly card line finds new admiration online", 2 June 2017
The Word of God was proclaimed offering the promise of peaceful rest unburdened in life eternal for their son.

— Cincinnati.com, "Column: Something must be said", 31 May 2017
ISIS loudly proclaims its ultimate ambition--a global caliphate secured through a global war.

— the tylt, AL.com, "Who is the bigger threat to American security: Russia or ISIS?", 31 May 2017
The United Nations has proclaimed 2017 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development with a goal of promoting positive change in travel with regard to social inclusion, environmental protection and economic equality.

— elaine glusac, New York Times, "Greening Your Summer Vacation", 29 May 2017
The answer was never quite spelled out, but Kevin’s long history of proclaiming his love of family and home while partaking in self-destructive actions, as well as his preoccupation with Nora throughout the episode, suggested what was going on.

— spencer kornhaber and sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Leftovers: Seeing Double", 28 May 2017
In 2017, a flurry of rappers including Troy Ave and Boosie Badazz have proclaimed themselves to be the second coming of Tupac.

— carl lamarre, Billboard, "Lil Durk Compares Future to Tupac, Twitter Reacts", 22 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'proclaim'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The pro- in proclaim means "forward, out", so a proclamation is an "outward" statement intended for the public. We often think of proclamations as something issued by monarchs or dictators, but Lincoln was able to issue his Emancipation Proclamation because as president he had the power to free the slaves in certain areas. At a slightly lower level, a governor may proclaim a day in honor of the state's firemen, a movie critic may proclaim a director to be the best of all, or you may proclaim your New Year's resolutions to a crowd of friends.

Origin and Etymology of proclaim

Middle English proclamen, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French proclamer, from Latin proclamare, from pro- before + clamare to cry out — more at pro-, claim

First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of proclaim

declare, announce, proclaim, promulgate mean to make known publicly. declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known. the referee declared the contest a draw announce implies the declaration of something for the first time. announced their engagement at a party proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively. the president proclaimed a national day of mourning promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law. promulgated an edict of religious toleration

PROCLAIM Defined for English Language Learners

proclaim

play

verb

Definition of proclaim for English Language Learners

: to say or state (something) in a public, official, or definite way : to declare or announce (something)
: to show (something) clearly

PROCLAIM Defined for Kids

proclaim

play

verb pro·claim \prō-ˈklām\

Definition of proclaim for Students

proclaimed

;

proclaiming

: to announce publicly : declare The president proclaimed a holiday.

Word Root of proclaim

The Latin word clamāre, meaning “to shout” or “to cry out,” gives us the root clam and its form claim. Words from the Latin clamāre have something to do with shouting. To exclaim is to cry out in a sudden or emotional way. To proclaim is to announce or shout something publicly. Clamor is noisy shouting.