Collins English-English Dictionary

groan [grəυn]

1. 1. n a prolonged stressed dull cry expressive of agony, pain, or disapproval

2. 2. n a loud harsh creaking sound, as of a tree bending in the wind

3. 3. n [informal] a grumble or complaint, esp a persistent one

4. 4. vb to utter (low inarticulate sounds) expressive of pain, grief, disapproval, etc

   they all groaned at Larry's puns

5. 5. vi. [intr] to make a sound like a groan

6. 6. vi. [intr, usually foll by beneath or under] to be weighed down (by) or suffer greatly (under)

   the country groaned under the dictator's rule

7. 7. vi. [intr] [informal] to complain or grumble

8. 8. vi. [Etymology] Old English granian; related to Old Norse grina, Old High German grinan; see grin