groan Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an utterance expressing pain or disapproval
    moan.
  2. verb indicate pain, discomfort, or displeasure
    moan.
    • The students groaned when the professor got out the exam booklets
    • The ancient door soughed when opened

WordNet

Groan intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. gronen, granen, granien, AS. grnian, fr. the root of grennian to grin. *35. See 2d Grin, and cf. Grunt.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Groaned ; present participle & verbal noun Groaning
Definitions
  1. To give forth a low, moaning sound in breathing; to utter a groan, as in pain, in sorrow, or in derision; to moan.
    For we . . . do groan, being burdened. 2 Cor. v. 4.
    He heard the groaning of the oak. Sir W. Scott.
  2. To strive after earnestly, as with groans.
    Nothing but holy, pure, and clear, Or that which groaneth to be so. Herbert.
Groan transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To affect by groans.
Groan noun
Definitions
  1. A low, moaning sound; usually, a deep, mournful sound uttered in pain or great distress; sometimes, an expression of strong disapprobation; as, the remark was received with groans.
    Such groans of roaring wind and rain. Shak.
    The wretched animal heaved forth such groans. Shak.

Webster 1913