I. ˈsō(ə)r, -ȯ(ə)r, -ōə, -ȯ(ə) adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English sar, sor, soor, from Old English sār; akin to Old Saxon & Old High German sēr painful, sore, Old Norse sārr sore, wounded, Latin saevus fierce, savage, cruel, Old Irish sāeth pain, Lithuanian šaižus rough, sharp
1. : painful , distressing : as
a. : causing or involving physical suffering or risk
a sore wound
b. : painful from overuse, injury, or inflammation : sensitive
sore muscles
a sore eye
also : affected by such pain
sore from riding
c. : causing or likely to cause mental distress
sore news
a sore subject
2. : attended by strenuous difficulties, hardship, or exertion
in sore straits
sore struggles
3. : not readily placated or mollified : angered, nettled, vexed
sore over a remark
Synonyms: see bitter
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English sar, sor, soor, from Old English sār; akin to Old High German sēr pain, wound, Old Norse sār sore, wound, Gothic sair pain, Old English sār, adjective
1.
a. : a place (as an ulcer or boil) in an animal body where the skin and flesh are ruptured or bruised and tender or painful
b. : a wound, bruise, or abrasion that has become infected : a suppurating ulcer or boil
c. : lesion
2. : disease , sickness , harm
3. : a source or cause of pain or vexation : affliction , trouble
the sores of official duties
III. adverb
Etymology: Middle English sare, sore, from Old English sāre (akin to Old Saxon & Old High German sēro sorely), from sār, adjective
: sorely — often used in combination
sore -afraid