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

---

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

---

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

When Roman blurts out that Logan’s gone, handing Shiv the phone, her tearful squawk is heartrending.

From Salon

Every time I got close to one of the cranky old sisters, she puffed up ten times bigger than she actually was and started squawking and pecking.

From Literature

Sometimes for a whole day they talked in sea lion grunts or frigate bird squawks or plankton wiggles.

From Literature

A sudden squawk from the dragon distracted him.

From Literature

We also passed dense stands of thick-leaved yerba santa, California buckwheat, sugar bush and chilicothe vines and we were treated to the squawks of California scrub jays and a red-tail hawk flying overhead.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cackle
• hoot
• screech
• yap