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Definition of "woe" []

  • Deep distress or misery, as from grief; wretchedness. See Synonyms at regret. (noun)
  • Misfortune; calamity: economic and political woes. (noun)
  • Used to express sorrow or dismay. (interjection)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "woe" in a sentence
  • "In this chapter, Jesus used the word woe eight times as a strong warning to those who, through legalism, were keeping people out of heaven."
  • "Solamen miseris socios habuisse doloris -- To have companions in woe is a solace to those who suffer."
  • "It bespoke them rebellious children; and a woe is here denounced against them under that character, v. 1."