Shrill: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrill

[ʃrɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sound

having a high-pitched and piercing quality

Synonyms

ear-piercing, high-pitched, piercing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrill	This word is often used to describe a high-pitched, loud sound that can be annoying or unpleasant. It is commonly associated with human voices or sounds produced by animals. Her shrill voice could be heard from across the room. The shrill cry of the eagle echoed through the mountains.
high-pitched	Used to describe a sound that is high in frequency. It can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant sounds without carrying a strong negative connotation. Her laughter was high-pitched and joyful. The whistle made a high-pitched noise that could be heard from a distance.
piercing	Often used to describe a sound that is sharp and intense, capable of penetrating through other noises. It can imply a certain level of discomfort. The silence was broken by a piercing scream. The wind made a piercing howl as it blew through the trees.
ear-piercing	Describes a sound that is extremely loud and sharp, to the point where it can be painful to one's ears. It often has a negative connotation. The fire alarm emitted an ear-piercing sound that made everyone cover their ears. The children's screams were so ear-piercing that the neighbors complained.

Examples of usage

The shrill cry of a baby
The shrill sound of a whistle

^{Context #2 | Verb}

voice

to make a high-pitched and piercing sound

Synonyms

scream, screech, shriek.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shrill	Use 'shrill' to describe a high-pitched, unpleasant sound, often referring to voices or noises that are irritating or sharp. The alarm's shrill sound woke everyone up. Her shrill voice could be heard over the crowd.
screech	Use 'screech' to describe a harsh, piercing sound, often made by animals, machinery, or tires skidding. The screech of the brakes could be heard from a distance. The parrot let out a loud screech when it was startled.
shriek	Use 'shriek' to describe a loud, sharp cry, often made out of fear, pain, or excitement. She shrieked when the cold water hit her skin. Their playful shrieks filled the playground.
scream	Use 'scream' when someone is making a loud, high-pitched sound due to fear, excitement, or pain. She let out a scream when she saw the spider. The fans screamed in excitement when the band came on stage.

Examples of usage

The bird shrilled loudly in the morning
Her voice shrilled with excitement

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'shrill' dates back to the 14th century, derived from the Middle English term 'shril', meaning 'piercing or sharp'.
Related words include 'shrilly', which describes how something is said in a high-pitched way.

Sound Science

High-frequency sounds, like a shrill noise, can stimulate the human ear differently than lower frequencies, often evoking strong emotional reactions.
Animals, such as certain birds and insects, often use shrill calls for communication or mating, drawing attention quickly.

Psychology

Research has shown that shrill sounds can provoke feelings of anxiety or discomfort, more so than deeper sounds.
Many people associate shrill voices with annoyance or alarm, which can influence perceptions of dominance or authority.

Pop Culture

In movies and TV shows, a shrill scream can signify danger or panic, often used to build tension in horror scenes.
Cartoon characters, especially those who are overly dramatic or silly, frequently exhibit shrill voices for comedic effect.

Music

Certain musical instruments, like the piccolo and the flute, can produce shrill notes that cut through orchestral sounds.
In modern music, some genres, such as pop and electronic dance, utilize shrill synths to create energetic and attention-grabbing hooks.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrill" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estridente

🇮🇳 तेज़

🇩🇪 durchdringend

🇮🇩 nyaring

🇺🇦 пронизливий

🇵🇱 przenikliwy

🇯🇵 甲高い (kōtakai)

🇫🇷 strident

🇪🇸 estridente

🇹🇷 keskin

🇰🇷 날카로운

🇸🇦 حاد

🇨🇿 pronikavý

🇸🇰 prenikavý

🇨🇳 刺耳的 (cì'ěr de)

🇸🇮 oster

🇮🇸 hvellur

🇰🇿 өткір

🇬🇪 მწვავე

🇦🇿 kəskin

🇲🇽 estridente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,543, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13543 shrill
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13545 coroner
13546 sham
...