verb (used without object)
- to cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, as in surprise, strong emotion, or protest.
verb (used with object)
- to cry out; say loudly or vehemently.
verb
- to cry out or speak suddenly or excitedly, as from surprise, delight, horror, etc
1560s, back-formation from exclamation or else from Middle French exclamer (16c.), from Latin exclamare “cry out loud,” from ex- intensive prefix “out” (see ex-) + clamare “cry, shout, call” (see claim (v.)). Spelling influenced by claim. Related: Exclaimed; exclaiming.