gripe
|gripe|
/ɡraɪp/
complain or grumble
Etymology
'gripe' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'grīpan', where the root meant 'to seize' or 'to grasp'.
'gripe' changed from Old English 'grīpan' to Middle English 'gripen' (to seize, grasp) and eventually became the modern English 'gripe', with senses that shifted over time.
Initially it meant 'to seize or grasp', but over time it developed senses of 'cause sharp abdominal pain' and later the figurative 'to complain' (modern common usage).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a complaint or protest about something perceived as wrong or unsatisfactory.
His main gripe is the slow customer service.
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Noun 2
(dated/medical) A colicky pain in the abdomen; griping pain.
He suffered a severe gripe after eating the spoiled food.
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Verb 1
to complain repeatedly or persistently about something.
They gripe about the parking rules every week.
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Last updated: 2025/11/01 17:57