outcry
B2Formal/News
Definition
Meaning
A strong and public expression of disapproval, anger, or indignation.
Can also refer to a loud shout or clamor, particularly in a protest or reaction to an event.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun (e.g., 'cause outcry'), but can be countable (e.g., 'outcries'). Implies collective, public reaction rather than individual complaint.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both UK and US news and political discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There was an outcry [prep] [noun phrase] (e.g., over the decision).The [adjective] outcry [verb] [noun phrase] (e.g., forced a U-turn).An outcry [verb] (e.g., ensued, arose).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Raise an outcry”
- “Be met with outcry”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A public outcry can damage a brand's reputation and force a change in corporate policy.
Academic
The scholar's controversial thesis provoked an outcry within the academic community.
Everyday
There was a real outcry from parents when they announced the school would close early.
Technical
Less common; may be used in socio-legal contexts discussing public reaction to legislation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- People made an outcry about the park closing.
- The loud outcry surprised the mayor.
- The new tax caused a public outcry.
- There was an outcry from fans when the concert was cancelled.
- The policy reversal followed a massive outcry on social media.
- Environmental groups have raised an outcry over the planned deforestation.
- The government's handling of the crisis prompted an international outcry and calls for sanctions.
- Despite the outcry from heritage organisations, the historic building was demolished.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of people CRYing OUT in protest -> OUTCRY.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL IS A LOUD NOISE / PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL IS A FORCE (e.g., 'a wave of outcry', 'the outcry drowned out other voices').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate directly as 'внешний крик'. It is not about a cry that is 'out'. The closest equivalents are 'протест', 'возмущение', 'шумный протест'.
- Avoid using 'крик' alone, which is more literal (a shout or scream).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for an individual's complaint (e.g., 'I made an outcry' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'outcry' as a verb (the verb is 'cry out').
- Using the plural 'outcries' in mass noun contexts where 'outcry' is better (e.g., 'There was a lot of public outcries' is awkward; use 'There was a lot of public outcry' or 'There were public outcries').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'outcry' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily used as an uncountable (mass) noun (e.g., 'cause public outcry'), but can be countable when referring to specific instances (e.g., 'There were several outcries against the proposal').
'Outcry' emphasises the immediate, vocal, and often emotional public reaction. A 'protest' can be more organised and sustained (e.g., a march, a strike). An outcry often precedes or fuels organised protests.
Extremely rarely. Its core meaning is a reaction of disapproval. In very specific contexts, it could describe a loud public demand *for* something good (e.g., 'an outcry for justice'), but the connotation is still of anger about an injustice.
No, the standard verb is the phrasal verb 'to cry out'. The noun 'outcry' is not used as a verb in modern English.