screech

American  

[skreech] / skritʃ /

verb (used without object)

1. to utter or make a harsh, shrill cry or sound.

   The child screeched hysterically. The brakes screeched.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter with a screech.

   She screeched her warning.

noun

1. a harsh, shrill cry or sound.

   an owl's screech; the screech of brakes.

screech ¹ British  

/ skriːtʃ /

noun

1. a shrill, harsh, or high-pitched sound or cry

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verb

1. to utter with or produce a screech

screech ² British  

/ skriːtʃ /

noun

1. (esp in Newfoundland) a dark rum

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Related Words

See scream.

Other Word Forms

• screecher noun

Etymology

Origin of screech

First recorded in 1550–60; variant of obsolete scritch “to scream”; akin to screak

Example Sentences

It almost seemed like they were outrunning it when Barry sped around a corner and screeched to a stop.

From Literature

It was a shrill and hideous sound: metal screeching on metal.

From Literature

The first two steps release a feline screech.

From Literature

The car screeches to a halt, and the sound is so frightening we all rush outside to see what has happened.

From Literature

It screeched to a stop, inches from hitting him.

From Literature

Related Words

• howl
• shout
• shriek
• squeal
• yell