roar
UK[rɔː]US[rɔːr]
v
to make a very loud, deep sound
v
to laugh or shout in a loud, deep voice
n
a very loud, deep sound made by an animal, a person, or a thing
Etymology
the word "roar" originates from the old english verb "rārian," which meant to cry, wail, or roar. it is believed to be of imitative or onomatopoeic origin, formed to mimic the loud, deep, and often prolonged sound it describes. this direct sound-symbolism connects it to other germanic languages, such as middle dutch "reren" and old high german "rēren," which carried similar meanings. over time, its usage expanded from describing human cries and animal sounds to encompass any powerful, resonant noise, such as that of wind, fire, or engines, while retaining its core association with a full-throated, overwhelming sound.
Analysis
the word "roar" is a simplex word of old english origin. it is not productively composed of smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the lion let out a mighty roar to assert its dominance.
the crowd began to roar with approval when the winning goal was scored.
the roar of the jet engines made conversation impossible on the tarmac.