ear-splitting
Definition
Adjective - Extremely loud: "ear-splitting" describes a sound that is so loud it seems to cause physical discomfort or pain to the ears, often to the point of being unbearable.
Usage Examples
- (The sound was so loud it hurt the ears.)
- (The music was excessively loud.)
- (The scream was piercingly loud.)
Advanced Usage
- "ear-splitting roar": a very loud, prolonged sound, often from machinery, crowds, or natural phenomena.
- The ear-splitting roar of the waterfall could be heard from miles away. (The waterfall's sound was deafening.)
- "ear-splitting silence": a figurative use describing an intense, oppressive quietness that feels overwhelming.
- After the explosion, there was an ear-splitting silence that unnerved everyone. (The silence was so profound it felt physically loud.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ear-splittingly (adverb): in a manner that is extremely loud.
- The alarm rang ear-splittingly, waking the entire house. (The alarm sounded with unbearable loudness.)
- Ear-piercing (adj): similar to "ear-splitting," describing a high-pitched, sharp sound that is painful.
- The ear-piercing whistle made everyone cover their ears. (The whistle was shrill and painful.)
Synonyms
- Deafening: so loud as to cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
- Thunderous: extremely loud, like thunder.
- Piercing: sharp and penetrating, often referring to high-pitched sounds.
Related Idioms
- "to split one's ears": an expression meaning to make a very loud, unpleasant noise.
- The children's shouting split my ears. (The noise was painfully loud.)
- "ear-splitting yell": a very loud shout or cry.
- He gave an ear-splitting yell to get attention. (He shouted with extreme volume.)