Definition

Crying loudly and intensely, often with a raw, unrestrained quality; typically associated with strong emotional distress or anger.

Example Usage

The toddler was bawling at the top of his lungs in the grocery store.

Origin

From Middle Dutch 'bawlen' or Old Norse origins, possibly imitative of loud crying sounds.

Fun Fact

Babies' bawling serves an evolutionary purpose—the intense sound signals distress to caregivers and triggers immediate parental response.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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