Phrase guide

cry for help

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see cry, for, help.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • We heard the drowning woman's cries for help and ran to assist.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • In her second year at the school Alexis stopped doing her homework and would often scribble on walls. Her teachers wondered whether this was a cry for help, or if she was simply misbehaving.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: avunhuuto — cry for help
  • French: appel à l'aide — cry for help
  • Polish: wołanie o pomoc — cry for help
  • Spanish: petición de ayuda — cry for help
  • Spanish: llamado de socorro — cry for help
  • Spanish: llamamiento de auxilio — cry for help
  • Finnish: hätähuuto — acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help
  • French: appel à l'aide — acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help
  • Polish: wołanie o uwagę — acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help
  • Turkish: feryat — acting out as a means of displaying a subconscious desire for attention or help