Definition

Adjective: 1. Describing a sound: Characterized by or being a loud, sharp, high-pitched cry or scream, typically one expressing extreme emotion such as pain, terror, or sudden excitement.

Usage

The word "shrieked" is primarily used as the past tense and past participle of the verb "to shriek." When used as an adjective, it describes a noun (usually a sound, voice, or cry) that has the qualities of a shriek. It often implies a sense of urgency, fear, or intense emotion.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The shrieked warnings of the villagers went unheeded. (The warnings, which were screamed in a high-pitched voice, were ignored.)
  • A moment of silence was followed by a single, shrieked curse. (The curse was uttered in a loud, sharp scream.)
  • We could hear shrieked laughter coming from the playground. (The laughter was very loud and high-pitched.)

Advanced Usage

• As a participial adjective: "Shrieked" functions as a participial adjective, meaning it is derived from a verb and retains a sense of action. It is often used in descriptive writing to create a vivid auditory image.
  • The alley was filled with the shrieked protests of the cats.
• In reported speech: It is commonly used to describe the manner in which dialogue is delivered, replacing standard verbs like "said."
  • "Get out!" she shrieked. (Here it is the past tense verb.)
  • His shrieked command made everyone jump. (Here it is the adjective describing "command.")

Variants and Related Words

• Shriek (verb): To utter a loud, sharp, high-pitched cry.
• Shriek (noun): The loud, sharp, high-pitched cry itself.
  • A shriek of joy.
• Shrieking (adjective or noun): Similar to "shrieked," often used interchangeably as an adjective. Can also be a gerund (the act of shrieking).
  • The shrieking wind.
• Shrill (adjective): Describing a high-pitched and piercing sound, which is the characteristic quality of a shriek.

Synonyms

• Screamed: Uttered with a long, loud, piercing cry. (Can sometimes be used interchangeably, though "shrieked" often implies a higher pitch.)
• Screeched: Uttered a harsh, shrill cry. (Often used for unpleasant sounds like brakes or birds.)
• Howled: Uttered a long, loud, mournful cry. (Often associated with wolves or wind, and can imply pain or protest.)
• Yelled: Uttered a loud cry. (More general; less specific about pitch than "shrieked.")

Antonyms

• Whispered: Uttered very softly using one's breath.
• Muttered: Uttered in a low and indistinct voice.
• Murmured: Uttered in a soft, low, or indistinct voice.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To shriek with laughter/glee: To laugh with such force and pitch that it resembles a shriek.
  • The audience shrieked with laughter at the comedian's joke.
• To shriek in terror/pain/anger: Standard collocation describing the cause of the shriek.
  • She shrieked in terror when she saw the spider.

Adjective

1. uttered in a shrill scream as of pain or terror