screech
verb (used without object)
to utter or make a harsh, shrill cry or sound.
was screeching
-
past progressiveof screech.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Governments were restricting movement, businesses were closing, and the way of living that many were used to was screeching to a halt.
From Scientific American ● Oct. 20, 2023
"She was like a wild animal in the background. That was the last time I heard her voice. She was screeching," she told the jury.
From BBC ● Feb. 7, 2019
"All we could hear was screeching, cars thudding into each other, lorries crashing," driver Martin Stammers told the BBC.
From Reuters ● Sep. 5, 2013
"What it sounded like - I don't even know the word - was screeching, or ripping," she said.
From New York Times ● Nov. 14, 2012
Mareth’s bat was losing control, Henry was unarmed, Perdita was unconscious, her bat was gasping for air on the ground, Boots was screeching, and Shed was insane with pain and fear.
From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins
