squawk

American  

[skwawk] / skwɔk /

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a loud, harsh cry, as a duck or other fowl when frightened.

2. Informal. to complain loudly and vehemently.

   Synonyms:

   yelp, complain, gripe, grumble

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter or give forth with a squawk.

noun

1. a loud, harsh cry or sound.

2. Informal. a loud, vehement complaint.

3. the black-crowned night heron. night heron

squawk British  

/ skwɔːk /

noun

1. a loud raucous cry; screech

2. informal a loud complaint or protest

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verb

1. to utter a squawk or with a squawk

2. informal (intr) to complain loudly

Other Word Forms

• squawker noun

Etymology

Origin of squawk

1815–25; blend of squall ² and hawk ³

Example Sentences

The giant robot pelican suit rocked backward, both Normans squawking simultaneously and having to take off in order not to fall.

From Literature

Ada, 36, is strolling on the beach, unfazed by the wail of air alert sirens mingling with the squawking of seagulls.

From BBC

But Mitchell is a team player, so in the end, Rapaport survives to squawk another day and probably complain about life’s unfairness over that evening’s pasta buffet.

From Salon

Everyone jumps a bit as the intercom box on the wall squawks to life and we hear the high-pitched voice of Mrs. Dithers, the administrative assistant.

From Literature

Whereupon Alexander mimed the death of the very last dodo, and a tragic, squawking death it was.

From Literature

Related Words

• cackle
• hoot
• screech
• yap