Definition of the word croak

The word "croak" has a fascinating history. The term originally comes from the Old English word "crōcan," which means "to creak" or "to squeak." This word was later influenced by the Latin word "chroacere," which means "to croak" or "to rustle." In the 14th century, the term took on a new meaning, specifically referring to the sound made by a frog or a toad. Over time, the word "croak" has evolved to include other meanings, such as describing a loud, harsh sound or a cough. Interestingly, the act of croaking can also imply a dying or fading away, as in the phrase "when the clock strikes twelve and the croak of the frog fills the silence."