Weeping
/ˈwiː.pɪŋ/noun
The act of shedding tears, typically as a result of emotion.
Did you know?In medieval times, weeping was often associated with the soul's purification process, believed to wash away sins and bring forth clarity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wep-
“to cry or weep, a visceral expression of sorrow.”
Old English
OE
wēpan
“to weep or lament; a strong emotional outpouring.”
Old High German
OHG
wēpan
“to weep or moan, relating to deep emotional states.”
Middle English
ME
wepen
“to shed tears, often in response to grief or sorrow.”
Modern English
English
weeping
“the act of shedding tears, especially in emotional distress.”