screech
39
2.9
- noun
- /skriːtʃ/
:
chillido
- Somewhere among them, a screech owl gave its tremulous call.
I was going to say howl, but it doesn't sound like a screech either.
- I was going to say howl, but it doesn't sound like a screech either.
- The kids voice was more annoying than the father's because it's more annoying to hear a high pitched screech.
Examples
-
Expecting any second to hear the screech of brakes, Lindsay dashed after her brother.
Fiction book (1995) -
SUBWAY - NIGHT: The wheels of an express train screech through the station.
Fiction book (1990) -
All around, he heard the night screech of birds, even an owl.
Fiction book (1993) -
For the first time this year, we heard the screech of the peacock.
Fiction book (1994) -
The ship was still rolling, and they heard a screech of metal that came to an abrupt stop.
Fiction book (1991) -
With a metallic screech of protesting gears, the vehicle ground to a halt.
Fiction book (1995) -
The Queen spreads her wings and makes the most horrendous screech imaginable.
Fiction book (1995) -
It was a shrill screech that grated and I jumped so badly I dropped my phone.
-
The android emits a deafening, high-pitched mechanical screech as it shorts out, its arms pinwheeling out of control.
Fiction book (1990) -
As the car approached the intersection, I heard the screech of tires on the pavement.
Synonyms
596
1.0
A loud high cry made when someone is afraid or hurt
142
1.0
A loud call that an animal or person makes
92
1.9
A very loud high, piercing noise that hurts the ears
58
3.3
A very loud high sound that hurts your ears
43
2.7
A loud high sound showing fear, pain or excitement
34
2.9
A long, high sound showing pain, fear, or strong excitement
15
3.0
A loud, very high sound like a scream made by a person or animal
5
2.6
A short high sound a dog makes when it is hurt or afraid
1
9.9
A sudden loud, high sound like a bird's cry
Antonyms
Compounds
- US
1
5.5
A small North and Central American owl with a loud screeching or whistling call
How Piercing
Surface Forms
Etymology
Screech comes from an old sound word that copies a sharp, high noise; it is like scream, which also means 'a loud cry'. So a screech is a 'loud, high, harsh sound'.