outcry
UK[ˈaʊtkraɪ]US[ˈaʊtkraɪ]
n
a strong expression of public anger or disapproval
n
a loud shout or cry
Morpheme Breakdown
out
cry
out
cry
Etymology
the word "outcry" is a transparent compound formed from two native english elements. the first element, "out," derives from old english "ūt," meaning "outside" or "away from," which itself has proto-germanic origins. the second element, "cry," comes from old english "crȳdan," meaning "to cry out, beg, or demand." the compound literally means "a crying out." its semantic evolution is straightforward, moving from the literal sense of a loud shout to the modern figurative meaning of a vehement public protest, where the "cry" is metaphorical and directed "outward" into the public sphere.
Analysis
Structure: out + cry
out (old english, meaning outward, external, or to a greater degree) + cry (old english, meaning to call out, shout, or weep)
Examples
the government's decision provoked a public outcry.
she gave an outcry of pain when she stubbed her toe.
the environmental group's report caused an international outcry.