Bawl out Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity Used to express strong disapproval, often with raised voices and strong emotion. The coach bawled out the team after a careless mistake. Pro Tip 2/3Informal Setting Commonly used in casual or informal situations, rarely in formal contexts. Mom bawled me out when I came home after curfew. Pro Tip 3/3Authority Figures Often used by someone in a position of authority, like parents, teachers, or bosses. The manager bawled out an employee in front of everyone.