creak

[kreek]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a sharp, harsh, grating, or squeaking sound.

2. to move with creaking.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to creak.

noun

1. a creaking sound.

creak

/ kriːk /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a harsh squeaking sound

2. (intr) to make such sounds while moving

   the old car creaked along

noun

1. a harsh squeaking sound

Other Word Forms

• creakingly adverb
• creaky adjective
• creakiness noun
• creakily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of creak¹

1275–1325; Middle English creken to croak, apparently back formation from Old English crǣcettan, variant of crācettan to croak

Word History and Origins

Origin of creak¹

C14: variant of _croak , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

But though solidly directed by Elliott Nugent, it creaks under the weight of Hope’s overbearing presence, despite the fresh appeal of the underrated, and these days virtually forgotten, Goddard.

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The Dutchman has been a central figure of a defence that has creaked all season.

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There were many such elegantly choreographed moments in this whistle-stop visit to the Vatican, a city state where every corner could be a postcard, creaking under the weight of its own history and architectural splendour.

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A glimmer of hope, a door creaked slightly ajar, a creeping sense of "what if" drifting through the crowd and the commentary box - but in the end, Australia win.

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Her soft dismissal creaked the door open, gave England an opportunity to seize - and this time, they pounced.

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Related Words

• groan 
• screech 
• squeak