Question: So [this question](https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/89124/what-is-the-difference-between-yell-and-scream/89159?s=1|0.3474#89159) gives an answer to the difference between *yell* and *scream*, but I'd also like clarification about *shout* and *cry*, which have to be linked with the other two. Whatever the case when I use one of them I feel like I used the wrong one.

Also, the top answer used "to cry" in the definition of "to scream" and "to shout" in the definition of "to yell". Most dictionaries also give other words as definitions, which doesn't help.

I have a bunch of related question which I think makes sense to be asked and answer together. When I ask for difference about words, it's mostly for edge cases.

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Of course, I mean *cry* in other ways that "to shed tears". I would think that it implies that you're in danger (i.e. "cry for help") and it's not directed to anyone, but what about "battle cry" ? Are there other uses that don't imply you're in danger ?

What's the word for when a metal vocalist "sings" very loudly in the mic ? Is it yelling if it's not directed to someone in particular ? And if a rapper raps increasingly louder, is he screaming or yelling at the end ? IMO yelling can never be non-annoying, am I correct ?

To describe someone cursing really loud, what do you use ? Is it different words depending on if the insults are directed to someone or just interjections like "SHIT!" ?

Answer: 
"Shout" and "yell" are more or less synonymous. Other than style or poetry ([and a few idiomatic expressions](http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/shout)), I can't think of any reason why you couldn't use one in place of the other.

A "scream" includes a shrill note that indicates extreme emotion. [This is the infamous "Wilhelm Scream'.](https://youtu.be/cdbYsoEasio?t=8)

These are also screams: [American girls screaming at the Beatles](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOcYTOBA0CI)

A "cry" is a loud exclamation, often *sounding* like someone (or something) in distress. There is also the additional nuance that a "cry" is meant to be heard over some distance. 

As you mentioned, you can "cry" for help, but so can animals: [Bear cub crying for its mom.](https://youtu.be/4tDyhmJ6N8Q?t=23). We can describe the [sound wildcats make as "cries"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs9L0s0Xz8c) (or "screams") even though these are not from distress, because it *sounds* like something that needs help.

(Edit) We would most likely say that a heavy metal vocalist *screams* into the microphone. Apparently this (along with *growling*) is the [actual term](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screaming_(music)) for this style. As a scream, by definition, includes higher-pitched elements, a rapper who is "singing" loudly into the mike could be said to be either *shouting* or *yelling*. 

Be aware that, in current slang, to "shout out" means to "favorably acknowledge" as in "a public expression of thanks".

> 
> I want to **give a shout out** to all of my fans, without whom I wouldn't be here on this stage.
> 
> 
>
*yell* - You *yell* typically when you want attention or are trying to be heard over noise or a distance. *Yelling* is typically directed at or for someone/something specific. You can *yell for* someone to try to get someone's attention or them to come to you.

*shout* - You *shout* at someone when you want them to hear you or are trying to be heard over noise or a distance. This will of course draw attention to you but is sometimes a secondary fact with shouting. Sometimes *shouting* is not directed at anyone specific but to a group of people or just to communicate the loudness of one's voice.

*scream* - You *scream* typically when scared or in pain. Screams also happen with emotional extremes. A scream is stronger/more startling than a yell or a shout.

*cry* - You *cry* typically when sad or in pain. *Crying out* is equivalent to *shout* with an added connotation of needing help. *Cry* can describe what a baby or young child does but isn't necessarily loud if describing an adult.