complain

Etymology

From Middle English complaynen, from Old French complaindre, from Medieval Latin complangere (“to bewail, complain”), from Latin com- (“together”) + plangere (“to strike, beat, as the breast in extreme grief, bewail”); see plain, plaint.

verb

1. (intransitive) To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
   Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.
2. (intransitive) To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge.
   They've complained about me to the police again.
   If you get cheated by the Better Business Bureau, who do you complain to? 1997, George Carlin, Brain Droppings, New York: Hyperion Books, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 85
3. To creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.
   the complaining bed-springs