Cry havoc meaning

To "cry havoc" means to unleash chaos or destruction.


Cry havoc definitions

Word backwards yrc covah
Part of speech The part of speech of the phrase "cry havoc" is a verb phrase.
Syllabic division cry hav-oc
Plural The plural of "cry havoc" is "cries havoc."
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (5) c,r,y,h,v

Cry Havoc is a phrase that originates from a line in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," where the character Antony famously says, "Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war." This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where chaos and destruction are unleashed.

Origin and Meaning

Derived from the Old French word "havot," meaning pillage or destruction, "cry havoc" was a command given in medieval warfare to signal to soldiers that they could begin looting and plundering a defeated city or town. Over time, it has come to symbolize the onset of any kind of uncontrolled chaos or mayhem.

Usage in Modern Context

In modern times, the phrase "cry havoc" is often used in a dramatic or poetic sense to evoke a sense of impending disaster or upheaval. It can be found in literature, movies, and everyday conversation to convey a situation where things are spiraling out of control.

Implications of the Phrase

When someone cries havoc, it suggests a turning point where order breaks down, and all hell breaks loose. It signifies the unleashing of powerful and destructive forces that can have far-reaching consequences.

Whether used in a literal or figurative sense, the phrase "cry havoc" carries a sense of urgency and intensity, warning of the destructive potential that lies ahead.


Cry havoc Examples

  1. In the midst of the chaos, the commander cried havoc and ordered his troops to attack.
  2. As the wildfire spread rapidly, the firefighters knew they had to cry havoc and evacuate the area immediately.
  3. The CEO decided to cry havoc on the company's outdated policies and initiate a complete overhaul.
  4. Upon discovering a security breach, the IT department had to cry havoc and implement emergency measures to protect the data.
  5. Facing a financial crisis, the government had no choice but to cry havoc and impose strict austerity measures.
  6. The captain of the ship knew it was time to cry havoc when a massive storm approached, threatening their voyage.
  7. In the courtroom, the prosecutor cried havoc on the defense's alibi, revealing inconsistencies in their story.
  8. When the pandemic hit, the healthcare system had to cry havoc and mobilize resources to care for the sick.
  9. Facing a public relations disaster, the company decided to cry havoc and launch a series of damage control initiatives.
  10. After years of neglect, the homeowner finally decided to cry havoc on their overgrown garden and start landscaping anew.


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  • Updated 20/06/2024 - 23:57:28