Third person singular present tense of complain, meaning to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. To voice grievances or concerns.
From Old French 'complaindre', from Latin 'complangere' meaning 'to bewail'. Composed of 'com-' (intensive) and 'plangere' (to strike, lament). The sense evolved from physical lamenting to verbal expression of dissatisfaction.
The word's origin in 'plangere' (to strike) suggests complaints once involved physical gestures of grief - striking one's chest or tearing clothes. Modern complaints retain this emotional intensity, just expressed through words rather than actions.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.