squeal
- a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
- Slang.
- an instance of informing against someone.
- a protest or complaint; beef.
- to utter or emit a squeal or squealing sound.
- Slang.
- to turn informer; inform.
- to protest or complain; beef.
- to utter or produce with a squeal.
Origin of squeal
Related Words for squeal
squawk, yelp, wail, screech, rasp, peep, shriek, howl, bleat, cheep, shout, yowl, grate, creak, shrill, scream, yip, tattle, complain, protestExamples from the Web for squeal
Contemporary Examples of squeal
Even with all the money in the bank, most Hollywood stars and executives are loathe to squeal to protect their own hide.
Some sound concrete clarion calls, some are like string quartets, some trumpet brazen marches, and some squeal in sheer discord.
Historical Examples of squeal
There came a squeal of amazement from Aggie, a start of incredulity from Garson.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
When I squeal, Andy, it'll be when there's nothing but the voice left.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
I'll not be trapped this way by her and let her off without a squeal.
The Black BagLouis Joseph Vance
My friend, you get your hands on him, and I'll squeal on him till I'm blue in the face.
The Black BagLouis Joseph Vance
She did not squeal nor shudder, but sat regarding it with gentle pride.
Four Girls and a CompactAnnie Hamilton Donnell
squeal
- a high shrill yelp, as of pain
- a screaming sound, as of tyres when a car brakes suddenly
- to utter a squeal or with a squeal
- (intr) slang to confess information about another
- (intr) informal, mainly British to complain or protest loudly
Word Origin for squeal
Word Origin and History for squeal
c.1300, probably of imitative origin, similar to Old Norse skvala "to cry out" (see squall (v.)). The sense of "inform on another" is first recorded 1865. The noun is attested from 1747.