A state or act of weeping, specifically the outpouring of tears as an expression of sorrow, grief, or distress; in some contexts, the physical manifestation of lamentation. The term highlights the embodied nature of mourning, emphasizing crying as an outward display of internal emotion.

Etymology From the Hebrew root בכה (b-k-h), meaning 'to weep' or 'to cry.' The noun is formed directly from this root, signifying the activity or result of crying.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Kikongo bika to cry, to mourn, to wail bik
Kimbundu kubika to wail (with sorrow) -bik-
Umbundu okubika to weep, to lament -bik-