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Screeched: meaning, definitions and examples

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screeched

 

[ skriːtʃt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

sound or noise

To screech means to make a loud, high-pitched sound, typically expressing pain, fear, or alarm. It is often associated with the cries of certain animals like owls or the sound made by tires sliding on a surface. The term can also refer to sudden, sharp noises made by humans, often as a reaction to surprise or fright. Screeches can be very piercing and are easily heard over other sounds.

Synonyms

howl, scream, shriek, wail

Examples of usage

  • The tires screeched as the driver slammed on the brakes.
  • She screeched when she saw the spider crawling toward her.
  • The owl screeched in the dead of night.

Translations

Translations of the word "screeched" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gritou

🇮🇳 चिल्लाया

🇩🇪 geschrien

🇮🇩 berteriak

🇺🇦 закричав

🇵🇱 wrzeszczał

🇯🇵 悲鳴を上げた

🇫🇷 cri

🇪🇸 gritó

🇹🇷 çığlık attı

🇰🇷 비명을 지르다

🇸🇦 صرخ

🇨🇿 zakřičel

🇸🇰 zakričal

🇨🇳 尖叫

🇸🇮 zakričal

🇮🇸 öskraði

🇰🇿 шақырды

🇬🇪 კივილი

🇦🇿 qışqırdı

🇲🇽 gritó

Etymology

The word 'screech' dates back to the early Middle English period, derived from the Old English word 'scrīċan', which means 'to make a shrill sound'. It has roots in different Germanic languages, sharing similarities with Middle Dutch 'screken' and Old Norse 'skríkr', both denoting sudden loud or sharp noises. Over time, 'screech' evolved to encompass a variety of high-pitched sounds produced by both animals and humans. Today, it retains a similar meaning, suggesting unpleasant or alarming sounds that can evoke strong emotional responses. The use of 'screech' in literature and conversation has also expanded, often employed to describe extreme reactions one might have to unexpected situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,193, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.