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Screeched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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screeched

[skriหtสƒt ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'screeched'

Main points about word origin

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

The word 'screech' dates back to the early Middle English period, derived from the Old English word 'scrฤซฤ‹an', which means 'to make a shrill sound'. It has roots in different Germanic languages, sharing similarities with Middle Dutch 'screken' and Old Norse 'skrรญkr', 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.