plaint

plaint

noun \ˈplānt\

Definition of PLAINT

1

: lamentation, wail

2

: protest, complaint

Examples of PLAINT

1. <the day after the massacre the plaints of bereaved mothers and wives could be heard throughout the village>
2. <that taxes are too high is perhaps the most perennial of plaints>

Origin of PLAINT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin planctus, from plangere to strike, beat one's breast, lament; akin to Old High German fluokhōn to curse, Greek plēssein to strike

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to PLAINT

Synonyms: groan, howl, keen, lamentation, moan, lament, wail

Antonyms: exultation, rejoicing

Related Words: cry, sob, tears; agonizing, grieving, mourning, sorrowing, suffering, weeping; hand-wringing, regret; complaint, cri de coeur, outcry, protest; anguish, dolor, grief, heartache, heartbreak, sorrow, woe

Near Antonyms: cheering, laughing, smiling

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with PLAINT

faint, feint, paint, quaint, saint, taint