squawk

[skwawk]

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

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of squawk¹

1815–25; blend of squall ² and hawk ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of squawk¹

C19: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

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

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“Maybe peas will go extinct,” Alexander said to his siblings, who squawked faintly but approvingly.

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Beowulf’s reply rose into a birdlike squawk as Penelope seized her student firmly by the ankles and returned him to a more secure position behind the windowsill.

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But then the creature squawked and batted its wings.

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Gale squawked, “Leave Shelly alone! He’s had it worse than any of us!”

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Related Words

• cackle 
• hoot 
• screech 
• yap