Screeched: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'scrēcan', which means 'to cry out or scream'.
• It has evolved over centuries to describe the specific sound that is alarming or sharp.

Pop Culture

• In horror movies, characters often screech in fear, heightening the tension and suspense.
• The quintessential 'screech' of brakes is a common sound in action films, alerting viewers to danger.

Psychology

• High-pitched sounds, similar to a screech, can trigger stress responses in humans due to their association with danger.
• Screeches in nature, like those of certain animals, can indicate distress or a warning to others.

Literature

• Authors often use the word in poetry and prose to convey an emotional response or create a vivid image of chaos.
• Famous works, like Edgar Allan Poe's stories, include screeches to evoke fear and intensity.

Nature

• Certain birds, like the owl, are known for their distinct screeching calls that can be heard during the night.
• Many insects, such as cicadas, can produce screech-like noises as a mating call or to ward off predators.

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

• ...
• 25190 unobtainable
• 25191 shrugging
• 25192 marshalling
• 25193 screeched
• 25194 excavator
• 25195 pagination
• 25196 compacting
• ...