Roar

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /rɔː/
• US enPR: rôr, IPA: /roÊŠr/, /rɔːr/
• Rhymes: -ɔː(r)

Origin

Old English rārian, from . Cognate with German röhren.

Full definition of roar

Verb

1. (intransitive) To make a loud, deep cry, especially from pain, anger, or other strong emotion.
• DrydenSole on the barren sands, the suffering chief
  Roared out for anguish, and indulged his grief.
2. To laugh in a particularly loud manner.The audience roared at his jokes.
3. Of animals (especially the lion), to make a loud deep noise.
   The lioness roared to scare off the hyenas.
• SpenserRoaring bulls he would him make to tame.
4. Generally, of inanimate objects etc., to make a loud resounding noise.
• MiltonThe brazen throat of war had ceased to roar.
• GrayHow oft I crossed where carts and coaches roar.
5. (figuratively) To proceed vigorously.
• 2011, January 25, Phil McNulty, Blackpool 2-3 Man Utd, United's attempt to extend their unbeaten league sequence to 23 games this season looked to be in shreds as the Seasiders - managed by Ian Holloway - roared into a fully deserved two-goal lead at the interval.
6. (transitive) To cry aloud; to proclaim loudly.
• FordThis last action will roar thy infamy.
• 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, Mr. Pratt's Patients Chapter 7, I made a speaking trumpet of my hands and commenced to whoop “Ahoy!” and “Hello!” at the top of my lungs. … The Colonel woke up, and, after asking what in brimstone was the matter, opened his mouth and roared “Hi!” and “Hello!” like the bull of Bashan.
7. To be boisterous; to be disorderly.
• Bishop BurnetIt was a mad, roaring time, full of extravagance.
8. To make a loud noise in breathing, as horses do when they have a certain disease.

Noun

1. A long, loud, deep shout made with the mouth wide open.
2. The cry of the lion.
• 1900, L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of OzThe Winkies were not a brave people, but they had to do as they were told. So they marched away until they came near to Dorothy. Then the Lion gave a great roar and sprang towards them, and the poor Winkies were so frightened that they ran back as fast as they could.
3. The deep cry of the bull.
4. A loud resounding noise.the roar of a motorbike
• 1944, Ernie Pyle, Brave Men, University of Nebraska Press (2001), page 107:"Those lovely valleys and mountains were filled throughout the day and night with the roar of heavy shooting."
5. A show of strength or character.