groan: Meaning and Definition of

groan

Pronunciation: (grōn), [key]
— n.
  1. a low, mournful sound uttered in pain or grief: the groans of dying soldiers.
  2. a deep, inarticulate sound uttered in derision, disapproval, desire, etc.
  3. a deep grating or creaking sound due to a sudden or continued overburdening, as with a great weight: We heard the groan of the ropes as the crane lowered the heavy cargo into the ship's hold.
—v.i.
  1. to utter a deep, mournful sound expressive of pain or grief.
  2. to make a deep, inarticulate sound expressive of derision, disapproval, desire, etc.
  3. to make a sound resembling a groan; resound harshly: The steps of the old house groaned under my weight.
  4. to be overburdened or overloaded.
  5. to suffer greatly or lamentably: groaning under an intolerable burden.
—v.t.
  1. to utter or express with groans.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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