squeal

American  

[skweel] / skwil /

noun

1. a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.

2. Slang.

   1. an instance of informing against someone.

   2. a protest or complaint; beef.

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verb (used without object)

1. to utter or emit a squeal or squealing sound.

2. Slang.

   1. to turn informer; inform.

   2. to protest or complain; beef.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or produce with a squeal.

squeal British  

/ skwiːl /

noun

1. a high shrill yelp, as of pain

2. a screaming sound, as of tyres when a car brakes suddenly

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verb

1. to utter a squeal or with a squeal

2. slang (intr) to confess information about another

3. informal (intr) to complain or protest loudly

Other Word Forms

• squealer noun

Etymology

Origin of squeal

1250–1300; Middle English squelen; imitative

Example Sentences

The door squealed as Pa came back outside and handed me a pad of paper.

From Literature

As he did, he heard an answering squeal of pain.

From Literature

He squealed with delight and covered my eyes with his hands.

From Literature

Mrs. Tilbury leaves the basket and heads back down the squealing staircase.

From Literature

Dodger squealed, high and frantic, a sound that tore at Akira’s heart.

From Literature

Related Words

• howl
• peep
• rasp
• screech
• shriek
• squawk
• wail
• yelp