Meaning & Definition
verb
to express deep sorrow or disapproval about something.
She bemoaned the loss of her childhood home, which was torn down to make way for a new shopping center.
to complain or lament about something.
The critics bemoaned the decline of traditional filmmaking in the age of digital media.
to express regret or dissatisfaction.
He bemoaned the fact that his friends had moved away, leaving him feeling lonely.
Etymology
Middle English bemoanen, from be- + moan
Common Phrases and Expressions
bemoan one's fate:
to express discontent about one's situation
bemoan the loss:
to grieve over something that has been lost
Slang Meanings
to whine or complain excessively
Stop bemoaning every little thing that goes wrong.
to express dissatisfaction in a dramatic way
He always bemoans his bad luck in relationships.