Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, often from a strong emotion: To utter words loudly and forcefully, typically due to surprise, anger, pain, or joy.
   • To state or announce something emphatically: To declare something in a forceful or dramatic manner.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • "What a beautiful sunset!" she exclaimed. (She cried out in admiration.)
  • He exclaimed in pain when he stubbed his toe. (He shouted out because of the sudden pain.)
  • "This is outrageous!" the customer exclaimed. (The customer declared this angrily and loudly.)
  • The children exclaimed with delight when they saw the presents. (The children shouted joyfully.)

Advanced Usage

• "exclaim against": To protest or denounce something loudly and publicly.
  • The protesters exclaimed against the new law. (The protesters voiced their strong public opposition to the law.)

Variants and Related Words

• Exclamation (n): A sudden, forceful cry or remark.
  • She gave an exclamation of surprise.
• Exclamatory (adj): (Of language) expressing strong feeling; having the nature of an exclamation.
  • He wrote an exclamatory sentence ending with an exclamation mark.

Synonyms

• Cry out: To shout or scream, often involuntarily.
• Shout: To utter a loud call or cry.
• Proclaim: To announce officially and publicly. (Note: This is closer to the "announce" sense and is more formal.)
• Blurt out: To say something suddenly and without thinking.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Exclaim at: To cry out in reaction to something.
  • She exclaimed at the size of the diamond. (She was amazed by it and cried out.)

Related Idioms

• None specific to the verb "exclaim" itself. The act of exclaiming is often part of idioms using the noun "exclamation," such as "mute exclamation" (a look or gesture that conveys strong feeling without words).

Verb

1. state or announce
   • `I am not a Communist,' he exclaimed
   • The King will proclaim an amnesty
2. utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy
   • `I won!' he exclaimed
   • `Help!' she cried
   • `I'm here,' the mother shouted when she saw her child looking lost