Behavior
crying Audio
cry·ing [ krahy-ing ]
Subclass of:
Nonverbal Communication; Language Development
Definitions related to crying:
  • The shedding of tears associated with emotions, usually sadness but also joy or frustration.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • To utter an inarticulate, characteristic sound in order to communicate or express a feeling, or desire for attention.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • All infants and young children cry as a form of communication; it is the only means they have to express a need. Thus, most crying is in response to hunger, discomfort (eg, a wet diaper), or separation, and it ceases when the needs are met (eg, by feeding, changing, cuddling). This crying is normal and tends to lessen in duration and...
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.