n.
Pronunciation: ' sär-( ˌ ) ō , ' so ̇ r-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sorow, from Old English sorg; akin to Old High German sorga sorrow
Date: before 12th century
1 a : deep distress, sadness, or regret especially for the loss of someone or something loved b : resultant unhappy or unpleasant state <to their great sorrow they could not marry>
2 : a cause of grief or sadness
3 : a display of grief or sadness
synonyms SORROW , GRIEF , ANGUISH , WOE , REGRET mean distress of mind. SORROW implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse <a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death>. GRIEF implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause <the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents>. ANGUISH suggests torturing grief or dread <the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child>. WOE is deep or inconsolable grief or misery <cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city>. REGRET implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse <nagging regret for missed opportunities>.