Shrilling: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrilling

 

[ ˈʃrɪlɪŋ ]

Verb
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 person’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

Translations of the word "shrilling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estridente

🇮🇳 चिल्लाना

🇩🇪 schrill

🇮🇩 melengking

🇺🇦 пронизливий

🇵🇱 przenikliwy

🇯🇵 甲高い

🇫🇷 strident

🇪🇸 estridente

🇹🇷 ırkıl

🇰🇷 날카로운

🇸🇦 صاخب

🇨🇿 pronikavý

🇸🇰 prenikavý

🇨🇳 刺耳的

🇸🇮 prodoren

🇮🇸 skræddur

🇰🇿 өткір

🇬🇪 წნული

🇦🇿 kəskin

🇲🇽 estridente

Word origin

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.