Shrilled: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'shrill' comes from the Old English 'crīllian', which means 'to cry out' or 'to shout'.
• It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe high, piercing sounds.
• Similar words exist in other languages, like 'stridulus' in Latin, which also means shrill or high-pitched.

Literature

• In many works, a shrill sound is often used to evoke a sense of danger or urgency, such as in horror stories.
• Authors like Edgar Allan Poe used shrill tones in their descriptions to create tension or fear.
• In children’s literature, shrill sounds often accompany characters experiencing extreme emotions.

Science

• High-pitched sounds can be very effective for communication in the animal kingdom; birds often 'shrilled' to warn others of danger.
• Research shows that humans can hear higher frequencies better when they are younger, making shrilled noises more recognizable.
• Some animals, like bats, use shrills while echolocating to navigate through dark environments.

Pop Culture

• The term 'shrill' has been used in pop culture to describe certain personalities or voices, often highlighting the emotional intensity of a character.
• Notable films or shows may use shrilled noises during climactic scenes to enhance excitement or fear.
• In music, shrill tones can be found in genres like punk or heavy metal to convey raw energy and emotion.

Psychology

• Shrill sounds can create stress in some individuals, influencing their emotional state and causing a sense of discomfort.
• Studies reveal that high-pitched sounds can often be associated with fear or urgency, affecting our fight-or-flight response.
• In therapeutic settings, certain high-pitched sounds are known to be calming to some and alarming to others, highlighting subjective experiences of sound.

This word's position of #34,219 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

• ...
• 34216 mulcted
• 34217 pocked
• 34218 intoxicate
• 34219 shrilled
• 34220 editable
• 34221 demote
• 34222 holing
• ...