shrieking
Definition
- Noun:
- A very loud, high-pitched, and often piercing cry or sound: A vocalization or noise characterized by extreme volume and pitch, typically expressing a strong emotion like terror, pain, or excitement.
- The act of producing such a cry or sound: The action or instance of shrieking.
Usage
- The word "shrieking" functions primarily as a noun (gerund) to name the sound or the act itself. It describes a sound that is intensely sharp and loud, often causing alarm or discomfort to the listener. It is commonly associated with humans (especially in fear or surprise) but can also describe certain mechanical or animal sounds.
Examples
- Noun:
- The sudden shrieking of the fire alarm startled everyone in the building.
- We could hear the shrieking of the children playing in the park.
- The shrieking of the tires on the wet pavement was terrifying.
Advanced Usage
- "to be in full shrieking mode": to be screaming or crying very loudly and persistently.
- By the time we got to the checkout line, the toddler was in full shrieking mode.
- Used descriptively to emphasize intensity or unpleasantness:
- The politician faced a shrieking crowd of protesters.
- She wore a shrieking pink dress that was impossible to ignore.
Variants and Related Words
- Shriek (verb): To utter a loud, sharp, piercing cry.
- The audience shrieked with laughter.
- Shriek (noun): The sound itself.
- She let out a shriek of delight.
- Shrieker (noun): A person or thing that shrieks.
- Shrill (adj): Describing a sound that is high-pitched and piercing.
Synonyms
- Screeching: A harsh, high-pitched sound.
- Screaming: A long, loud, piercing cry.
- Howling: A prolonged, loud cry (often of pain or wind).
- Squealing: A long, high-pitched cry or sound.
Related Phrases
- Shrieking with laughter/glee: Laughing extremely loudly and energetically.
- The comedian had the entire audience shrieking with laughter.
- Shrieking halt: A very sudden and noisy stop (an intensified form of "screeching halt").
- The project came to a shrieking halt when the funding was cut.
Noun
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a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry
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he ducked at the screechings of shells
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he heard the scream of the brakes
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sharp piercing cry
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her screaming attracted the neighbors
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