Shrieker: meaning, definitions and examples
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shrieker
[ ˈʃriːkər ]
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.
Word origin
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.