shed

To cry or weep, especially from grief; to grieve or mourn in general. Everyone in the room was shedding tears by the end of the ceremony. Their relationship had soured so much over the years that John didn't shed a tear when he heard of his brother's death.

To reveal information or details about something; to clarify or help people understand something. (A more formal version of "shed (some) light on something.") We've hired a private investigator to help shed light upon the clandestine dealings of the baron. These documents we've uncovered shed some light upon how the late author's final book was meant to end.

Rur. to get rid of someone or something. I can't wait to get shut of that old refrigerator. Tom followed me around for months, but I finally got shed of him.

Fig. not to show any emotion even when something is very sad. At his uncle's funeral, he didn't shed a tear. They never got along.

Fig. to shed false tears; to pretend that one is weeping. The child wasn't really hurt, but she shed crocodile tears anyway. He thought he could get his way if he cried crocodile tears.

Fig. to reveal something about something; to clarify something. (Also with any.) This discussion has shed some light on the problem. Let's see if Ann can throw any light on this question.

to make something clearer Experts hope the plane's flight recorders will shed light on the cause of the crash. The latest study could throw light on why older people are the only ones affected.

to show sadness that is not sincere Political leaders shed crocodile tears while allowing the war to continue.

to help people understand a situation Thank you for shedding some light on what is really a very complicated subject.

Also, spill blood. Wound or kill someone, especially violently. For example, It was a bitter fight but fortunately no blood was shed, or A great deal of blood has been spilled in this family feud. Both of these terms allude to causing blood to flow and fall on the ground. The first dates from the 1200s. The variant amplifies the verb spill, which from about 1300 to 1600 by itself meant "slay" or "kill"; it was first recorded about 1125.

Also, throw light on. Clarify or explain, as in I was hoping the professor would shed light on how he arrived at his theory, or Can anyone throw some light on where these plants came from? Originally, from about 1200, these expressions were used literally, in the sense of "illuminate," but they soon were used figuratively as well.

To wound someone or take someone's life, especially with violence.