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moan

verb

/moʊn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of moan

To express deep, prolonged, and often audible sounds of discomfort, pain, or unhappiness.
"They moan in frustration when they can't find their keys."

Detailed meaning of moan

It typically involves emitting low-pitched, mournful, or plaintive vocalizations, often accompanied by a sense of suffering or distress. Moaning can be a natural response to physical discomfort, such as when experiencing pain, illness, or fatigue. It can also convey emotional distress or dissatisfaction, indicating sadness, frustration, or discontentment. Moaning is often characterized by a prolonged and audible sound, sometimes accompanied by sighs or other vocalizations. It serves as a means of expressing and releasing negative emotions or physical discomfort. Moaning can occur involuntarily as a reflexive response or be intentionally used as a form of communication or expression.

Example sentences containing moan

1. She couldn't help but moan when the dentist started the procedure.
2. The wounded soldier tried not to moan despite his pain.
3. As the storm raged on, the wind made the old house moan.
4. The disgruntled employee would often moan about the office conditions.
5. In the haunted house, eerie sounds of moaning echoed through the halls.
6. The patient's moans of agony filled the quiet hospital room.

History and etymology of moan

The verb 'moan' has an ancient and expressive etymology. It can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled as 'mone' or 'moneen,' and even further to the Old English word 'mǣnan,' which meant 'to complain' or 'to lament.' This Old English term had its roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'mainijan,' which carried the sense of expressing grief or sorrow. Over time, 'moan' evolved to encompass the act of expressing deep, prolonged, and often audible sounds of discomfort, pain, or unhappiness. Its etymology underscores the deep and visceral nature of human expression, particularly in moments of distress or sorrow, making it a fitting word to describe the vocalization of such emotions.

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Further usage examples of moan

1. The cat would moan at the door, wanting to be let outside.
2. When the thunder shook the windows, she would moan in fear.
3. He heard distant moans in the darkness of the eerie forest.
4. The tired hiker couldn't help but moan as he climbed the steep hill.
5. The ghostly apparition seemed to moan in despair as it drifted by.
6. They moan in pain as they stub their toe.
7. Please don't moan about the situation; let's find a solution.
8. They moan with pleasure as they taste the delicious dessert.
9. Let's not moan about the rainy weather; it's beyond our control.
10. Please don't moan during the movie; it's disturbing others.
11. They moan with relief when they finally finish a challenging task.
12. Let's not moan about the long wait; it will be worth it.
13. They moan with exhaustion after a strenuous workout.
14. Please don't moan about the traffic; it's part of city life.
15. They moan in discomfort as they adjust their uncomfortable shoes.
16. Let's not moan about the early wake-up call; it's necessary for our trip.
17. They moan in disappointment when they miss their favorite TV show.
18. Please don't moan about the small portion; savor the flavors.
19. They moan with excitement as they open their birthday presents.
20. Let's not moan about the cold; let's bundle up and enjoy the snow.
21. They moan in disbelief when they hear the shocking news.
22. Please don't moan during the concert; let's appreciate the music.
23. They moan in annoyance when their computer crashes.
24. Let's not moan about the past; let's focus on the future.