Shrieked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrieked

[สƒriหkt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Shrieked is the past tense of the verb 'shriek', which means to make a loud, high-pitched cry or scream, often due to fear, pain, or excitement. It conveys a sense of strong emotion and is typically associated with sudden, sharp sounds. The term can apply to both human and animal vocalizations. In narrative contexts, it often depicts moments of intense reaction or alarm.

Synonyms

howl, scream, wail, yell.

Examples of usage

  • She shrieked in terror as the ghost appeared.
  • The children shrieked with joy when they saw the puppy.
  • He shrieked when he accidentally touched the hot stove.
  • The audience shrieked in delight at the magician's trick.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that sudden loud noises can trigger a fight-or-flight response in humans, often leading to 'shrieked' reactions during startling situations.
  • In social contexts, shrieking can signal distress but also joy, linking it to emotional expressions in various settings.
  • Studies on laughter suggest that high-pitched vocalizations, like shrieks, are more common in moments of playfulness or happiness.

Pop Culture

  • Many horror films use 'shrieked' sounds to heighten tension, such as sudden screams that enhance the emotional impact on audiences.
  • Classic literature often describes characters 'shrieked' when they're confronted with the supernatural, indicating how authors emphasize fear.
  • In animated shows, characters often 'shrieked' comically, showcasing exaggerated emotion for entertainment.

Art

  • Art pieces, especially in expressionism, sometimes depict figures that seem to 'shriek,' visually representing intense emotions.
  • Famous painters like Edvard Munch, through his work 'The Scream,' convey an idea similar to 'shrieked' by illustrating profound existential dread.
  • This expression also appears in performance art, where actors might interpret emotional pain through vocalizations similar to a shriek.

Literature

  • In literature, 'shrieked' often accompanies climactic moments, such as a character realizing danger or surprise.
  • Poets use the word to evoke strong emotions and create vivid imagery, amplifying the intensity of a scene.
  • Many fairy tales include characters 'shrieked' in moments of realization or confrontation, highlighting their emotional journeys.

Origin of 'shrieked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shriek' comes from the Old English word 'scrฤซcan', which means 'to cry out or scream'.
  • Related to other words like 'shrieking' in various Germanic languages, showing its long-standing use in expressing fear or excitement.
  • The modern form became popular in the 14th century, reflecting cultural contexts where loud expressions were common.

The word 'shriek' originates from the Old English 'scrฤ“can', which meant 'to cry out or scream'. This word evolved through Middle English as 'shreek', maintaining the core meaning associated with high-pitched vocalizations. The use of 'shrieked' became more prevalent as the English language evolved, especially during the transition from Middle to Early Modern English. The phonetic changes and the influence of neighboring dialects helped solidify its current form, emphasizing the emotional response tied to the act of shrieking. Over centuries, 'shriek' has become a standard term in literature and everyday speech, effectively conveying surprise, fear, or extreme enthusiasm. Its Noun form is present as well, capturing the essence of the sound itself.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,605, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.