woe (wō)
n.

1. Deep distress or misery, as from grief; wretchedness. See synonyms at regret.
2. Misfortune; calamity: economic and political woes.

interj.
Used to express sorrow or dismay.

[Middle English wa, wo, from Old English wā, woe!.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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