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Glite Dictionary
to let out a scream

to let out a scream

1 2.1
To make a loud sudden cry because you are scared, hurt, or surprised
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : gritar
  • When the spider crawled onto her arm, she let out a scream that echoed in the quiet room.
  • I just let out a scream
  • Then she let out a scream

Examples

  • I had just come in when I heard Mudear upstairs let out a scream, and I ran upstairs.

    Fiction book (1993)

  • The girl opened her mouth and let out a scream so shrill.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • At that point, I let out a scream that probably was heard two rooms away.

    Blog text (32)

  • Then she let out a scream.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Norman lets out a scream.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • He opened his mouth and let out a scream.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • When she started up and let out a scream, people said, "All this fuss about a rat?"

    Fiction book (1992)

  • At that moment, the snoring wonder bolted upright in bed and opened his mouth wide to let out a scream of terror.

    Fiction book (2000)

  • He grabs the flaming end of the torch... and lets out a scream!

    Fiction book (1993)

  • Burgoyne crouched, looking at the blood-red full moon that hung in the sky, and then he threw back his head and let out a scream that sent small animals scurrying.

    Fiction book (2000)

Synonyms

to scream
vsto let out a scream
∞ 1.0

To make a loud high cry because of fear or pain

is specifically sudden and caused by fear, pain, or surprise
to yell
vsto let out a scream
∞ 1.0

To shout loudly because you feel strong pain, anger or excitement

is more sudden and linked to immediate fear or surprise
to cry
vsto let out a scream
342 1.0

To make a loud call to show feeling or get attention

is the sudden, sharp form of such a loud vocal reaction
to cry out
vsto let out a scream
108 1.8

Shout loudly to show a strong feeling, for example when surprised or hurt

is specifically a sudden, sharp cry rather than any loud sound
to screech
vsto let out a scream
86 4.0

To make a loud, high, sharp sound that startles people

is usually a sudden human cry caused by fear or pain
to shriek
vsto let out a scream
72 2.9

To make a loud high sound often because of fear, pain or excitement

is similar but focuses on suddenness and surprise as causes
to squawk
vsto let out a scream
16 4.7

To make a loud, harsh cry like a bird

is a human sudden cry tied to fear, pain, or surprise
to shout out
vsto let out a scream
13 4.2

Say something loudly to show strong feeling or get attention

is an emotional sudden cry rather than calling out information
to holler out
vsto let out a scream
  • Informal
2 8.0

Shout loudly to get attention or call someone

is a sudden emotional cry, not mainly for attracting attention
to skreigh
vsto let out a scream
9.9

Make a sudden loud harsh cry from fear or pain

is broader, covering sudden loud cries from fear or surprise

How Loud

to let out a scream
1 2.1
to shout
644 1.0
to exclaim
81 3.4
to speak
∞ 1.0
to whisper
586 1.0

Surface Forms

let out a scream infinitive
letting out a scream present participle
lets out a scream third person singular
let out a screamed past
let out a screamed past participle

Morphology

let + out + a + scream

The meaning 'to emit a loud, sudden cry' is directly derivable from the parts: 'let' (allow/release) + 'out' (outward, emit) + 'scream' (loud cry). This compositional pattern is common and mirrors other transparent phrases (e.g. 'let out a sigh'), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Let out a scream uses a simple picture: to let out means to release something and a scream is a sudden loud cry, like letting air quickly from your chest. So, let out a scream means 'to cry loudly because you are afraid, in pain, or very surprised'.