roar
roar / rôr/ • n. a full, deep, prolonged cry uttered by a lion or other large wild animal. ∎ a loud and deep sound uttered by a person or crowd, generally as an expression of pain, anger, or approval: he gave a roar of rage. ∎ a loud outburst of laughter. ∎ a loud, prolonged sound made by something inanimate, such as a natural force, an engine, or traffic: the roar of the sea.• v. 1. [intr.] (of a lion or other large wild animal) utter a full, deep, prolonged cry. ∎ (of something inanimate) make a loud, deep, prolonged sound: a huge fire roared in the grate. ∎ (of a person or crowd) utter a loud, deep, prolonged sound, typically because of anger, pain, or excitement: Manny roared with rage. ∎ [tr.] utter or express in a loud tone: the crowd roared its approval | [with direct speech] “Get out of my way!” he roared. ∎ laugh loudly: Shirley roared in amusement. ∎ (of a horse) make a loud noise in breathing as a symptom of disease of the larynx.2. [intr.] (esp. of a vehicle) move at high speed making a loud prolonged sound: a car roared past. ∎ proceed, act, or happen fast and decisively or conspicuously: the Clippers came roaring back to outscore the Nets.DERIVATIVES: roar·er n.ORIGIN: Old English rārian (verb), imitative of a deep prolonged cry; related to German röhren. The noun dates from late Middle English.