First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
proclaim
verb pro·claim \prō-ˈklām, prə-\
: to say or state (something) in a public, official, or definite way : to declare or announce (something)
: to show (something) clearly
Full Definition of PROCLAIM
transitive verb
1
2
: to declare or declare to be solemnly, officially, or formally <proclaim an amnesty> <proclaim the country a republic>
3
: to praise or glorify openly or publicly : extol <proclaimed the rescue workers' efforts>
— pro·claim·er noun
See proclaim defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PROCLAIM
Related to PROCLAIM
Synonym Discussion of PROCLAIM
declare, announce, proclaim, promulgate mean to make known publicly. declare implies explicitness and usually formality in making known <the referee declared the contest a draw>. announce implies the declaration of something for the first time <announced their engagement at a party>. proclaim implies declaring clearly, forcefully, and authoritatively <the president proclaimed a national day of mourning>. promulgate implies the proclaiming of a dogma, doctrine, or law <promulgated an edict of religious toleration>.
PROCLAIM Defined for Kids
proclaim
verb pro·claim \prō-ˈklām\
pro·claimedpro·claim·ing
Definition of PROCLAIM for Kids
: to announce publicly : declare <The president proclaimed a holiday.>
Word Root of PROCLAIM
The Latin word clamāre, meaning “to shout” or “to cry out,” gives us the root clam and its form claim. Words from the Latin clamāre have something to do with shouting. To exclaim is to cry out in a sudden or emotional way. To proclaim is to announce or shout something publicly. Clamor is noisy shouting.
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