v.
Pronunciation: k ə m- ' pl ā n
Function: intransitive verb
Etymology: Middle English compleynen, from Anglo-French compleindre, from Vulgar Latin *complangere, from Latin com- + plangere to lament ― more at PLAINT
Date: 14th century
1 : to express grief, pain, or discontent < complain ing about the weather>
2 : to make a formal accusation or charge
– com · plain · er noun
– com · plain · ing · ly \ - ' pl ā -ni ŋ -l ē \ adverb