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Shrilling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrilling

[หˆสƒrษชlษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

high-pitched sound

To shrill means to make a high-pitched, piercing sound. This sound is often associated with animals, such as birds or cats, but it can also describe a personโ€™s scream or yell when they are startled or excited. The term is frequently used to convey a sense of urgency or alarm. In various contexts, shrilling can refer to sounds that are unpleasant to hear, emphasizing their sharpness and intensity.

Synonyms

screeching, wailing, yelling.

Examples of usage

  • The shrilling of the alarm made everyone jump.
  • She let out a shrilling scream as the roller coaster descended.
  • The shrilling noise of the sirens filled the air.
  • The cat began shrilling when it saw the dog.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • In musical terms, 'shrilling' can describe certain high-pitched notes or sounds produced by instruments like flutes or violins.
  • Some vocal techniques, especially in opera, involve high-pitched, shrill notes for dramatic effect.
  • Genres like heavy metal often use shrilling guitar riffs to create intensity and energy in the music.

Nature

  • Many animals, such as certain birds or insects, produce shrilling calls, especially during mating seasons.
  • The shrilling of cicadas in summer is a well-known sound, often associated with hot sunny days.
  • Some frogs are known for their loud, shrill mating calls, which can be heard from great distances.

Psychology

  • Research shows that high-pitched sounds can provoke stress or discomfort, often linked to danger signals in nature.
  • Children may respond more strongly to shrilling noises, as their hearing is more acute than that of adults.
  • Sounds categorized as shrill are often associated with annoyance due to their piercing quality and can influence mood.

Literature

  • Authors often describe characters' voices in shrilling tones to convey panic or anxiety, creating tension in the narrative.
  • In horror stories, shrilling sounds are frequently used to heighten fear, signaling impending danger or madness.
  • Classic literature sometimes references shrilling sounds to illustrate chaos or discord in the environment.

Origin of 'shrilling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word traces back to the Middle English 'shrillen', meaning to make a sharp sound.
  • It is related to the Old English word 'scryllan', which means to scream or yell.
  • In various dialects, different forms of the word indicate the type of sharp noise, linking it to its original meaning.

The word 'shrill' has its origins in the Old English word 'screol', which means to scream or cry out. Its usage evolved throughout Middle English, where it became associated with high-pitched sounds that are sharp and piercing. The adjective form relates to the intensity and quality of the sound produced. Over time, the word 'shrill' became versatile, allowing it to describe both animal sounds and human vocal expressions. It is often used in literature and everyday speech to characterize irritating, loud, or alarming noises, reinforcing its negative connotation. The word carries a sense of urgency and alarm, often used in contexts where attention is needed quickly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,834, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.