Bawl/bɔːl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Extreme Sadness Used to express a deep level of sadness, often with tears. After the tragic loss, he bawled inconsolably. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Intensity Indicates an overwhelming emotional response, more intense than simple crying. The movie's ending made her bawl uncontrollably. Pro Tip 3/3Loss of Composure Suggests a person has lost their usual control over emotions. When he heard the sad news, he bawled in front of everyone.