First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
complain
verb com·plain \kəm-ˈplān\
: to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, etc., or that you do not like something
: to say (something that expresses annoyance or unhappiness)
Full Definition of COMPLAIN
intransitive verb
1
: to express grief, pain, or discontent <complaining about the weather>
2
: to make a formal accusation or charge
— com·plain·er noun
— com·plain·ing·ly \-ˈplā-niŋ-lē\ adverb
See complain defined for English-language learners
See complain defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of COMPLAIN
Middle English compleynen, from Anglo-French compleindre, from Vulgar Latin *complangere, from Latin com- + plangere to lament — more at plaint
Related to COMPLAIN
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl, kick up a fuss
COMPLAINER Defined for Kids
complain
verb com·plain \kəm-ˈplān\
com·plainedcom·plain·ing
Definition of COMPLAIN for Kids
: to express grief, pain, or discontent : find fault
— com·plain·er noun
Medical Dictionary
complain
intransitive verb com·plain \kəm-ˈplān\
Medical Definition of COMPLAIN
: to speak of one's illness or symptoms <the patient visited the office complaining of weight loss>
Learn More About COMPLAIN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: complainantPrevious Word in the Dictionary: complacentialAll Words Near: complain
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up complain? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).