squeal

[skweel]

noun

1. a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.

2. Slang.

   1. an instance of informing against someone.

   2. a protest or complaint; beef.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter or emit a squeal or squealing sound.

2. Slang.

   1. to turn informer; inform.

   2. to protest or complain; beef.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or produce with a squeal.

squeal

/ skwiːl /

noun

1. a high shrill yelp, as of pain

2. a screaming sound, as of tyres when a car brakes suddenly

verb

1. to utter a squeal or with a squeal

2. slang,  (intr) to confess information about another

3. informal,  (intr) to complain or protest loudly

Other Word Forms

• squealer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeal¹

1250–1300; Middle English squelen; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeal¹

C13 squelen , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

I watch as a gargantuan sea monster breaks from the water, gives a squealing cry, and submerges once more.

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It was Margaret, who had arrived at a gallop and now stood squealing with excitement in the doorway.

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Old schoolmates who had not seen each other in years squealed and embraced.

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“Miss Lumley, what is that dreadful squealing noise? Do you keep pigs?”

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She was nearly out the door when Lady Constance squealed and seized her by the arm.

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Related Words

• howl 
• peep 
• rasp 
• screech 
• shriek 
• squawk 
• wail 
• yelp