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Translate files Shriek
/ʃriːk/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A loud, sharp, high-pitched cry or sound.
The sudden shriek from the haunted house startled all the visitors.
A loud scream or sound, typically expressing fear or surprise.
His shriek echoed through the empty hall.
verb
To make a loud, sharp, piercing cry or sound.
The cat shrieked when it saw the dog approaching.
To scream or cry out in a high-pitched voice, often in fear or excitement.
She shrieked with joy when she heard the good news.
Etymology
Middle English shriken, from Old English scrīcan.
Common Phrases and Expressions
shriek of joy:
A sudden, loud cry expressing happiness.
shriek with laughter:
To laugh uncontrollably and loudly.
let out a shriek:
To emit a sharp cry unexpectedly.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
To express excitement or fright in an exaggerated manner.
She freaked out and shrieked when she saw the surprise party.
A dramatic and loud reaction to something.
That movie was so scary, I couldn't help but shriek!