bark1

 
Pronunciation: /bɑːk/

noun

  • the sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, or seal.
  • a sound resembling a bark, typically one made by someone laughing or coughing: a short bark of laughter

verb

  • 1 [no object] (of a dog, fox, or seal) give a bark: a dog barked at her
  • (of a person) make a sound resembling a bark: she barked with laughter
  • 2 [with object] utter (a command or question) abruptly or aggressively: he began barking out his orders [with direct speech]: ‘Nobody is allowed up here,’ he barked
  • [no object] US call out in order to sell or advertise something: doormen bark at passers-by, promising hot girls and cold beer

Phrases

someone's bark is worse than their bite

someone’s fierce and intimidating manner does not reflect their true nature: don’t worry, her bark is worse than her bite

be barking up the wrong tree

informal be pursuing a mistaken or misguided line of thought or course of action: his wife thinks he’s under suspicion, but I’m sure she’s barking up the wrong tree

Origin:

Old English beorc (noun), beorcan (verb), of Germanic origin; possibly related to break1