Clamor
/ˈklæmər/
nounverbB2
Definition
Clamor is a loud noise made by many people, often because they want something or are upset. It can be the sound of voices shouting together or a strong public demand for action or change. When used as a verb, it means to loudly ask or call for something.
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See It in Action
A loud noise or shouting by many people
- •The clamor of the crowd filled the stadium after the goal.
- •We heard the clamor from the street during the festival.
- •The clamor of children playing made the park lively.
A strong public demand or protest
- •Citizens clamored for better healthcare services.
- •The people clamored to have their voices heard by the government.
- •Fans clamored to get tickets for the concert.
(verb) To loudly demand or shout for something
- •The workers clamored for higher wages.
- •Supporters clamored to see their favorite singer.
- •Protesters clamored outside the city hall all day.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'clamor' like 'noise' (A1 word), but it is a loud, busy noise made by many people together, not just any sound.
- ✓Picture a crowd of people shouting all at once, their voices mixing into one big, loud sound.
- ✓It's the feeling when a group is very excited or upset and you hear their strong voices everywhere.
- ✓Sounds like 'clamor' → imagine a 'clam' opening loudly underwater, making a big noise—this helps remember it is a loud, strong sound.
- ✓Think of a sports crowd clapping and shouting loudly when their team scores, or protesters shouting for change.
- ✓NOT like 'whisper' (quiet voice), 'clamor' is very loud and full of many voices.
- ✓NOT like 'talk' (normal speaking), 'clamor' is noisy and urgent.
- ✓NOT like 'silence' (no sound), 'clamor' is full of loud sounds.
Try Other Words
- •Uproar: loud and confused noise (Use when the noise is wild and chaotic)
- •Shout: loud call or yell (Use when focusing on a single loud voice or small group)
- •Demand: strong request (Use when focusing on the request rather than the noise)
- •Racket: loud, unpleasant noise (Use when the noise is disturbing or annoying)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'clam-' (related to shouting or calling) + '-or' (noun suffix indicating action or result)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'clamor,' meaning 'a loud cry or shout'
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English, originally meaning loud shouting or noise from people
- •Modern usage: Used to describe loud group noise or strong public demands, both as noun and verb
Reflect & Connect
•When have you heard a clamor in your life, and what caused it?
•How can a clamor be helpful or harmful in a community or group?
Fill in the blanks
1.The clamor of the crowd grew louder as the team ___ the winning goal.
2.People clamored ___ better services after the new law was announced.
3.Unlike a quiet meeting, a clamor usually happens when many people ___ loudly together.
4.Protesters clamored ___ change outside the city hall for several hours.
5.The clamor was so strong that it was impossible to ___ what the speaker was saying.
6.Fans clamored ___ tickets, showing how popular the concert was.
7.When the children started to play, a clamor of laughter and noise ___ the playground.