Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
😱 To scream loudly 😱 A high cry
to shriek

to shriek

69 2.9
To make a loud high sound often because of fear, pain or excitement
  • verb
  • /ʃriːk/
: chillar
  • When he regained his breath, he shrieked like a lonely bull.

These are people who there's a type of person who who, who tears at wounds, long clothes and then shrieks about the pain they feel.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Then the crowd divides in two, and both groups run across the plaza, shrieking wildly.

    Academic text (2009)

  • The cat shrieked loudly when it saw the dog approaching.

  • l waved my arms in the air and shrieked for help.

    The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

  • The wind whined and shrieked, making it difficult for Roy to hear anything else.

    Academic text (2007)

  • Nina picked one up from the pile on the table, then shrieked a winner's shriek.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • The mother buried her face in nubbly bunting; the baby shrieked with joy.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Good girl, don't do that, my mother shrieked, dropping the spoon, face draining of blood.

  • "Watch for rocks?" Jobber shrieked in dismay as she hoisted herself into the boat.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • There in that frozen wilderness a dream came true, and a lone voice shrieked into the solemn sky, "Eureka!

    The Gold Rush (1925)

  • A gull, the first they'd seen in weeks, swooped low over the mastpole, shrieking loudly.

    Fiction book (1990)

Synonyms

to scream
vsto shriek
∞ 1.0

To make a loud high cry because of fear or pain

is usually a sudden piercing cry often caused by fear or pain
to yell
vsto shriek
∞ 1.0

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

is higher and tighter in pitch rather than a broad loud shout
to cry out
vsto shriek
145 1.8

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

is a more piercing high-pitched cry rather than a general loud sound
to screech
vsto shriek
70 4.0

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

is a high-pitched cry that is less harsh and more piercing
to howl
vsto shriek
66 2.6

To give a long loud cry because of pain, grief, or anger

is usually a short piercing cry rather than a prolonged emotional sound
to pipe
vsto shriek
39 7.0

To make a high thin sound like a small bird or child

is more intense and usually linked to strong fear or pain
to squawk
vsto shriek
33 4.7

To make a loud, harsh cry like a bird

is higher and more piercing rather than rough or grating
to squall
vsto shriek
3 7.2

To make a loud high sound like a baby or bird

is more narrowly a sudden high-pitched cry rather than broad noise
to let out a scream
vsto shriek
3 2.1

To make a loud sudden cry because you are scared, hurt, or surprised

is generally more piercing and higher in pitch than that cry
to shrill
vsto shriek
2 4.8

To make a very high, sharp sound often as a cry

is a similar high-pitched cry but usually more sudden and urgent
to skreigh
vsto shriek
9.9

Make a sudden loud harsh cry from fear or pain

is similar but often more piercing and linked to fear or pain
to scream one's head off
vsto shriek
  • Informal
6.5

Make a very loud, long cry because you feel afraid, excited, or upset

is usually a shorter, sudden high-pitched outburst rather than prolonged

Antonyms

to whisper
549 1.0

To speak very quietly using only breath so one person can hear

to murmur
84 4.2

To speak in a low, quiet voice, often to complain or say something softly

How Loud

to screech
70 4.0
to scream
∞ 1.0
to shout
690 1.0
to shriek
69 2.9
to squeak
61 1.4
to peep
5 1.5

Surface Forms

shriek infinitive
shrieked past
shrieked past participle
shrieking present participle
shrieks third person singular

Etymology

The word shriek as a verb comes from that same old sound word that copied sharp, high cries, like when you scream or screech. So to shriek is to make a sudden, very high 'cry', often from fear, pain, or excitement.