v. & n.
--v. (sobbed, sobbing)
1. intr. draw breath in convulsive gasps usu. with weeping under mental distress or physical exhaustion.
2 tr. (usu. foll. by out) utter with sobs.
3 tr. bring (oneself) to a specified state by sobbing (sobbed themselves to sleep).
--n. a convulsive drawing of breath, esp. in weeping.
Phrases and idioms:
sob story a story or explanation appealing mainly to the emotions. sob-stuff colloq. sentimental talk or writing.
Derivatives:
sobber n. sobbingly adv.
Etymology: ME sobbe (prob. imit.)