Shrieker Meaning: Definition and Examples
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shrieker
[ËÊriËkÉr ]
Definition
sound production
A shrieker is a person or animal that emits a loud, sharp, and high-pitched scream or cry. The term is often associated with a sound that is piercing and can evoke fear or attention. It can also refer to a specific kind of creature in horror or fantasy genres that makes a terrifying sound.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The shrieker was heard echoing through the dark woods.
- In the film, the shrieker's cry sent chills down the spines of the characters.
- They discovered a shrieker hiding in the abandoned building.
- The artist created a haunting depiction of a shrieker in their latest work.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, shriekers are often depicted as characters in horror stories, amplifying tension and adding to the atmosphere of fright.
- Edgar Allan Poe's works frequently feature characters whose shrieks signal their descent into madness, showcasing how sound can enhance psychological depth.
Pop Culture
- In movies like 'Scream', the sound of a shriek marks pivotal moments, underscoring fear and heightening drama within the narrative.
- Animals, like the infamous 'screaming' banshee from folklore, are often portrayed as shriekers, contributing to their ominous and mysterious nature in various genres.
Psychology
- Shriek-like sounds trigger an instinctive responseâoften fear or alertnessâdue to their association with danger in evolutionary psychology.
- Studies show that high-pitched noises can elevate stress levels, as humans are hardwired to respond to sudden loud sounds as potential threats.
Biology
- Certain animals, like the howler monkey, are known as 'shrieking' species due to their loud communication, which can be heard from miles away.
- Insects like the cicada produce shrill sounds during mating calls, similarly categorized as 'shrieking' noises to attract partners.
Origin of 'shrieker'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shrieker' comes from the verb 'shrieking', which has roots in Old English, reflecting a long history of expressing strong emotion through loud sounds.
- Related words like 'shriek' can be traced back to Middle English, describing high-pitched cries often associated with fear or excitement.
The word 'shrieker' originates from the Old English word 'scrīcan', meaning 'to scream' or 'to shriek'. The term evolved through Middle English as 'shrikien', which maintained the meaning of producing a loud cry. Over time, it became associated with a character or being that is known for its piercing screams, often used in literature and folklore to describe terrifying creatures. The connotation of the word has developed to indicate not just the act of shrieking but also the emotional resonance of fear or alarm associated with such vocalizations. The modern usage of 'shrieker' often appears in horror narratives, where such entities heighten tension and evoke strong emotions in the audience.