Word: baying (verb, present participle of "bay")

Associations

The word "baying" comes from the verb "bay," which means to make a loud, prolonged barking or howling sound, usually by dogs or wolves. It is often used to describe the sound animals make when they are hunting or chasing something.

Examples:

• The hounds were baying loudly as they chased the fox. (Describes dogs barking excitedly during a hunt.)
• The wolves were baying at the moon in the forest. (Describes wolves howling.)
• The crowd was baying for justice after the unfair decision. (Used metaphorically to describe loud, demanding shouting by people.)

Synonym: "howling" — The difference is that "howling" is a more general term for loud, long sounds made by animals or people, while "baying" specifically refers to the kind of barking or vocalizing by dogs or wolves, often during a hunt.

Substitution

Instead of "baying," you can say:

• Howling — if you want to describe a loud, long sound made by animals.
• Barking — if you want to describe short, sharp dog sounds.
• Yelling or shouting — if you use "baying" metaphorically for people making loud demands.

Deconstruction

• Root: "bay" — from Old French "baier," meaning to bark or shout.
• Suffix: "-ing" — shows the action is happening now (present participle). So "baying" means the action of making loud barking or howling sounds.

Inquiry

• Can you think of any animals other than dogs or wolves that make sounds similar to baying?
• How would you describe a situation where people are "baying" for something? Is it positive or negative?
• Have you ever heard dogs baying or howling? What was happening then?