scream

[ skreem ]

/ skrim /

See synonyms for: scream / screamed / screaming / screams on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

to utter a loud, sharp, piercing cry.

to emit a shrill, piercing sound: The sirens and whistles screamed.

to laugh immoderately or uncontrollably: The comedian had the audience screaming.

to shout or speak shrilly, especially with harsh or exaggerated words: They screamed across the back fence.

to play or sing in a high, loud, harsh manner.

to be conspicuous or startling: That red dress really screams.

verb (used with object)

to utter with or as if with a scream or screams.

to make by screaming: to scream oneself hoarse.

noun

a loud, sharp, piercing cry: Her scream frightened off the burglar.

a shrill, piercing sound: the scream of the tires as the car rounded the curve.

Informal. someone or something that is hilariously funny: The movie was a scream.

SYNONYMS FOR scream

9 outcry, shriek, screech, screak.

See synonyms for scream on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of scream

First recorded in 1150–1200; 1905–10 for def. 11; Middle English screamen (verb), (unattested) Old English scrǣman; akin to Old Norse skraumi “chatterbox, braggart,” skruma “to jabber”; sc- (for regular sh- as in Middle English shreame) from obsolete scritch “to screech” (see screech

synonym study for scream

1. Scream, shriek, screech apply to crying out in a loud, piercing way. To scream is to utter a loud, piercing cry, especially of pain, fear, anger, or excitement: to scream with terror. The word is used also for a little, barely audible cry given by one who is startled. Shriek usually refers to a sharper and briefer cry than scream; when caused by fear or pain, it is often indicative of more terror or distress; shriek is also used for shrill uncontrolled cries: to shriek with laughter. Screech emphasizes disagreeable shrillness and harshness, often with a connotation of lack of dignity: to screech approval at a rock concert.

OTHER WORDS FROM scream

outscream, verb (used with object)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for scream

His mother called him into another room, and off camera, police said yelling could be heard, followed by a boy’s scream.
After mother, partner are charged in toddler’s death, D.C. police say siblings were also abused|Peter Hermann|November 11, 2020|Washington Post
And as he adjusted to this change in circumstances, he screamed at himself a second time: Wait!
Powerful Congressman Writes About ‘Fleshy Breasts’|Asawin Suebsaeng|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The look was subtle, sweet and screamed “au natural”—even though she paid $75 for the topper.
Flower Crowns Are Phony and Must Die|Sara Lieberman|September 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In another, a woman swore at the reclining passenger in front of her and screamed for the pilot to “put this plane down.”
Solution to Seat Rage: No More Reclining|Will Doig|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST

I spent a lot of time inside that shelter with Hannah, while the rest of her crew ran, and screamed, and died.
When Fiery Fact Imitates Fiction: A Deadly Arizona Fire Mirrored One Writer’s Novel|Michael Koryta|June 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The protestors surrounded it and screamed at the policemen inside.
Are East Ukraine's Cops in Moscow's Pocket?|David Patrikarakos|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At the same moment a hand gripped him by the neck, and a girl, somewhere on deck, screamed.
My Lady Nicotine|J. M. Barrie
Sanford flailed his arms about, trying to break the Chief's faceplate while he screamed furious things about futility.
Space Tug|Murray Leinster
Later she knew how she kicked and screamed at them as they dragged her away.
The Mating of the Moons|Kenneth O'Hara
"Oh my heavens," screamed Clarissa, as she jerked her old apron to her eyes.
The Broken Sword|Dennison Worthington
Ann screamed, the False Hare—I am ashamed to say—merely yawned and kept his paws in his pockets.
The Wonderful Bed|Gertrude Knevels

British Dictionary definitions for scream

scream

/ (skriːm) /

verb

to utter or emit (a sharp piercing cry or similar sound or sounds), esp as of fear, pain, etc

(intr) to laugh wildly

(intr) to speak, shout, or behave in a wild or impassioned manner

(tr) to bring (oneself) into a specified state by screamingshe screamed herself hoarse

(intr) to be extremely conspicuousthese orange curtains scream, you need more restful colours in a bedroom

noun

a sharp piercing cry or sound, esp one denoting fear or pain

informal a person or thing that causes great amusement

Word Origin for scream

C13: from Germanic; compare Middle Dutch schreem, West Frisian skrieme to weep

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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scream

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Origin of scream

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OTHER WORDS FROM scream

Example sentences from the Web for scream

British Dictionary definitions for scream

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noun

Word Origin for scream

MEANINGS

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scream

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

noun

SYNONYMS FOR scream

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Origin of scream

synonym study for scream

OTHER WORDS FROM scream

Words related to scream

Example sentences from the Web for scream

British Dictionary definitions for scream

verb

noun

Word Origin for scream