sorrow

I. noun Etymology: Middle English sorow, from Old English sorg; akin to Old High German sorga sorrow Date: before 12th century 1. a. deep distress, sadness, or regret especially for the loss of someone or something loved b. resultant unhappy or unpleasant state <

to their great sorrow they could not marry

> 2. a cause of grief or sadness 3. a display of grief or sadness Synonyms: sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind. sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse <

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

>. grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause <

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

>. anguish suggests torturing grief or dread <

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

>. woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery <

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

>. regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse <

nagging regret for missed opportunities

>. II. intransitive verb Date: before 12th century to feel or express sorrow • sorrower noun