sob

¹

[ sob ]

verb (used without object)

, sobbed, sob·bing.

1. to weep with a convulsive catching of the breath.
2. to make a sound resembling this.

verb (used with object)

, sobbed, sob·bing.

1. to utter with sobs.
2. to put, send, etc., by sobbing or with sobs:

   to sob oneself to sleep.

noun

1. the act of sobbing; a convulsive catching of the breath in weeping.
2. any sound suggesting this.

S.O.B.

²

or SOB

abbreviation for

, (sometimes lowercase)

1. son of a bitch.

s.o.b.

¹

abbreviation for

1. son of a bitch

sob

²

/ sɒb /

verb

1. intr to weep with convulsive gasps
2. tr to utter with sobs
3. to cause (oneself) to be in a specified state by sobbing

   to sob oneself to sleep

noun

1. a convulsive gasp made in weeping

Derived Forms

• ˈsobbing, nounadjective
• ˈsobber, noun

Other Words From

• sobber noun
• sobbing·ly adverb
• sobful adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sob¹

1150–1200; Middle English sobben, apparently imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of sob¹

C12: probably from Low German; compare Dutch sabben to suck

Example Sentences

I don’t dare open my mouth, afraid a sob’ll burst out.

From Literature

Qui' m'stak'n, gen'l'men; sob'r's judge.

From Project Gutenberg

Casting mine eye on the other side the Palace, Thousands I saw my selfe had sent to death; At which I sigh'd and sob'd, I griev'd and groan'd.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bawl
• break down
• howl
• wail
• weep
• whimper