Definition

Adjective: 1. Characterized by or producing loud, harsh, and prolonged cries or noises: Describes a state of making a loud, high-pitched, and often distressed or angry sound, typically associated with babies, young children, or strong winds. 2. Characterized by short periods of noisy commotion or disturbance: Describes an environment or situation that is intermittently loud, turbulent, and unsettled.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • The squalling infant could not be comforted. (The baby, who was crying loudly and harshly, could not be comforted.)
  • We took shelter from the squalling wind and rain. (We took shelter from the wind and rain that were making loud, howling noises.)
  • The meeting was long and squalling, with frequent heated arguments. (The meeting was long and characterized by noisy periods of commotion and disagreement.)

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Use: Often used to evoke a sense of unpleasant, piercing noise or chaotic disturbance.
  • He tried to concentrate over the squalling of the car alarms. (He tried to concentrate despite the loud, harsh noise of the car alarms.)
• Figurative Use: Can describe non-physical noise, such as vehement verbal protest.
  • The politician faced a squalling mob of protesters. (The politician faced a noisy and vociferously protesting crowd.)

Variants and Related Words

• Squall (noun): A sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet. Also, a loud, harsh cry or scream.
  • A sudden squall capsized the small boat.
• Squall (verb): To cry or scream loudly and harshly.
  • The toddler began to squall when his toy was taken away.

Synonyms

• Howling: Making a long, loud, crying sound (like wind or a wolf).
• Wailing: Making a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger.
• Blustering: Talking or acting in a noisy, boastful, or angry way.
• Turbulent: Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.

Antonyms

• Calm: Not showing or feeling nervousness, anger, or other strong emotions; (of weather) pleasantly free from wind.
• Peaceful: Free from disturbance; tranquil.
• Quiet: Making little or no noise.
• Serene: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

Adjective

1. characterized by short periods of noisy commotion
   • a home life that has been extraordinarily squally