croak

[ krohk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a low-pitched, harsh cry, as the sound of a frog or a raven.
2. to speak with a low, rasping voice.
3. Slang. to die.
4. to talk despondingly; prophesy trouble or evil; grumble.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or announce by croaking.
2. Slang. to kill.

noun

1. the act or sound of croaking.

croak

/ krəʊk /

verb

1. intr (of frogs, crows, etc) to make a low, hoarse cry
2. to utter (something) in this manner

   he croaked out the news

3. intr to grumble or be pessimistic
4. slang.
   1. intr to die
   2. tr to kill

noun

1. a low hoarse utterance or sound

Derived Forms

• ˈcroaky, adjective
• ˈcroakily, adverb
• ˈcroakiness, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

1550–60; earlier croke, probably imitative; compare Old English cræcetian (of a raven) to croak

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

Old English crācettan; related to Old Norse krāka a crow; see creak

Example Sentences

In 2022, with Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Sean Patrick Maloney somehow on the ropes in a district that had gone for Biden two years prior by roughly 10 points, Clinton got back on the mic with his signature campaign croak for an event in the not-at-all-working-class New York City suburbs where he lives, on Maloney’s behalf.

From Slate

We see it in the male fans of Jordan Peterson, who clamor to his events to hear him croak out a just-so story about how lobsters justify their faith in male dominance.

From Salon

"Cross my heart and hope to croak—drop an eyeball in my Coke!"

From Literature

Frogs croak and croak, their mating calls echoing in the air.

From New York Times

“I’m so happy for you,” Luke manages to croak.

From New York Times