complain Hear it!

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complain definition

com·plain (kəm plān′)

intransitive verb

  1. to claim or express pain, displeasure, etc.
  2. to find fault; declare annoyance
  3. to make an accusation; bring a formal charge

Etymology: ME compleinen < OFr complaindre < VL *complangere, orig., to beat the breast < L com-, intens. + plangere, to strike: see plaint

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms complain idiom

complain Synonyms

complain

v.

  1. To express an objection

    remonstrate, grumble, whine, find fault, disapprove, accuse, deplore, criticize, denounce, dissent, cavil, charge, bring charges, report adversely on, reproach, oppose, contravene, whimper, nag, fret, repine, protest, fuss, moan, growl, grump, murmur, mutter, make a fuss about, take exception to, object to, deprecate, enter a demurrer, demur, expostulate, carp, attack, refute, countercharge, air a grievance, lodge a complaint, howl, grouse*, kick*, bitch*, grouch*, gripe*, grunt*, beef*, bellyache*, crab*, squawk*, tattle*, kick up a fuss*, make noises about*, raise a howl*, raise a fuss*, make a stink*, moan and groan*, kvetch*; see also accuse, censure, oppose 1.

    Antonyms sanction, approve*, countenance. *

  2. To express grief

    grieve, lament, bemoan, bewail; see cry 1, mourn 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

complain Usage Examples

Preposition: about

  • lack: There was the seemingly constant complaining about the lack of water.

Preposition: that

  • GP: Mrs X complained that the third GP had not obtained the result of the routine INR test.

Preposition: on

  • behalf: You can also complain on behalf or someone else if you have their permission in writing.

Modifying Another Word

  • bitterly: They will complain bitterly about replacing Whitehall Knows Best with Parents Know Best.

Used with why or when

  • when: He always shouts and complains when he has to have his shoes on.

Preposition: of

  • headache: In August 2005 my mom collapsed at home after vomiting severely and complaining of terrible headaches.
complain usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

complain quotes

You will find in politics that you are much exposed to the attribution of false motives. Never complain and never explain.

-Baldwin (of Bewdley), Stanley Baldwin, 1st Earl

Our farmers round, well pleased with constant gain, Like other farmers, flourish and complain.

-Crabbe, George

The world isdisgracefully managed, onehardly knowsto whom to complain.

-Firbank, (ArthurAnnesley) Ronald

complain quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"complain." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/complain>

APA Style

complain. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/complain

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