Shrilled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
shrilled
[สrษชld ]
Definition
sound production
To shrill means to produce a high-pitched and piercing sound. This sound is often described as shrieking or screaming and can be associated with excitement, fear, or distress. The term is commonly used to refer to sounds made by certain animals or instruments, as well as by humans when they are startled or upset. Shrilling can also be associated with loud, high-frequency vocalizations.
Synonyms
hollered, screamed, shrieking, yelled.
Examples of usage
- The bird shrilled in the early morning.
- She shrilled with joy upon hearing the news.
- The alarms shrilled loudly, alerting everyone in the building.
- He shrilled in surprise when the balloon popped.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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 childrenโs 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.
Origin of 'shrilled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shrill' comes from the Old English 'crฤซllian', 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.
The word 'shrill' originates from Middle English 'shrillen', which has roots in the Old English 'scrฤซlan', meaning to 'shout' or 'scream'. It has been part of the English language since at least the 14th century, used to describe sounds that are sharp or high in pitch. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a range of high-pitched noises, often associated with emotional expressions such as alarm, joy, or pain. The nature of shrill sounds can evoke strong reactions, making the term commonly used in both literary and colloquial contexts to describe expressive vocalizations.