What does whimper mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈhwɪmpər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To make a low, soft, and often sad or scared sound, typically with a high pitch, often to express weakness, fear, or pain.

Examples

• The puppy whimpered when it was left alone.
• The child whimpered in pain after falling down.

Synonyms

• Whine
• Moan

Antonyms

• Roar
• Shout

Additional Information

Whimpering is a common sound made by animals, especially dogs, when they are scared, hurt, or feeling vulnerable. Humans also whimper when they are in physical or emotional pain.

In literature and poetry, whimpering is often used to convey a sense of sadness, fear, or desperation. It can also be used to create a sense of empathy or sympathy in the reader.

In everyday life, whimpering can be a way to express emotions without necessarily verbalizing them. It can be a way to communicate distress or discomfort without having to find the right words.

Etymology

The word “whimper” comes from the Old English word “hwimpor”, which means “to make a soft, murmuring sound”. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.

Usage Notes

Whimper can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it means to make a whimpering sound. As a noun, it refers to the sound itself.

In informal contexts, whimper can be used to describe a person who is being overly emotional or dramatic.

Cultural References

In literature, whimpering is often used to describe the sounds made by characters in distress, such as in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”.

In music, whimpering is often used to describe the high-pitched sounds made by singers, such as in heavy metal or emo music.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Whimper in one’s shell: to retreat into a safe space and stop interacting with others.

Whimper and whine: to complain loudly and repeatedly.

Related Words or Phrases

• Snivel
• Wail
• Cry

Collocations

• Whimper in pain
• Whimper with fear
• Whimper softly

Frequency of Use

Whimper is a relatively uncommon word in modern language, but it is often used in literary and poetic contexts to convey strong emotions.

Common Misspellings

• Wimper
• Whimpir
• Wimpir