croak

[krohk]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a low-pitched, harsh cry, as the sound of a frog or a raven.

2. to speak with a low, rasping voice.

3. Slang.,  to die.

4. to talk despondingly; prophesy trouble or evil; grumble.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or announce by croaking.

2. Slang.,  to kill.

noun

1. the act or sound of croaking.

croak

/ krəʊk /

verb

1. (intr) (of frogs, crows, etc) to make a low, hoarse cry

2. to utter (something) in this manner

   he croaked out the news

3. (intr) to grumble or be pessimistic

4. slang

   1. (intr) to die

   2. (tr) to kill

noun

1. a low hoarse utterance or sound

Other Word Forms

• croaky adjective
• croakily adverb
• croakiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

1550–60; earlier croke, probably imitative; compare Old English cræcetian (of a raven) to croak

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

Old English crācettan; related to Old Norse krāka a crow; see _creak

Example Sentences

"The only flowers anyone saw in Aston were the ones you threw in the hole after you when you croaked it at the age of 53 'cos you'd worked yourself to death."

From BBC

“Look at these sleeves! My arms are the same length. Why aren’t my sleeves?” he croaks.

From Salon

Frogs croaked from nearby waterholes, joining the chorus of spectators who hollered as the announcer introduced their favorite racers — along with their laundry lists of sponsors.

From Los Angeles Times

And certainly the dry croak of his singing voice in the LP’s lead single suggests he’d enjoyed healthier times.

From Los Angeles Times

And people will get to listen to the Oscar-nominated Angeleno “croak” a handful more times, at shows in Pennsylvania, Indiana, New Jersey and yes, a rare home-state concert on May 10 in Santa Rosa.

From Los Angeles Times