sob
This term describes a specific physical manifestation of grief or distress characterized by convulsive, irregular breathing. It differs from general crying by emphasizing the audible, gasping quality of the breath rather than just the production of tears. As a noun, it refers to a single instance of this gasping sound. While it is a countable noun, it is frequently used in the plural to describe a prolonged period of emotional breakdown.
Meanings
To cry noisily while taking short, sudden breaths.
"The child began to sob uncontrollably after losing his toy."
To weep with loud, convulsive gasps while expressing a specific emotion or thought.
"She sobbed her apologies into her handkerchief."
A loud, convulsive gasp of breath typically associated with crying.
"A sudden sob escaped her lips as she remembered the accident."