First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1scream
verb \ˈskrēm\
: to suddenly cry out in a loud and high voice because of pain, surprise, etc.
: to say (something) in a loud and high voice because you are angry, afraid, etc.
: to make a very loud, high sound
Full Definition of SCREAM
intransitive verb
1
a (1) : to voice a sudden sharp loud cry (2) : to produce harsh high tones b : to make a noise resembling a scream <the siren screamed> c : to move with great rapidity
2
a : to speak or write with intense or hysterical emotion b : to protest, demand, or complain vehemently c : to laugh hysterically
3
: to produce a vivid startling effect
transitive verb
: to utter with or as if with a scream
See scream defined for English-language learners
See scream defined for kids
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Origin of SCREAM
Middle English scremen; akin to Middle Dutch schreem scream
Related to SCREAM
2scream
noun
: a loud and high cry or sound
: a person or thing that is very funny
Full Definition of SCREAM
1
: a loud sharp penetrating cry or noise
2
: a very funny person or thing
See scream defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SCREAM
1605
Related to SCREAM
- Synonyms
- hoot, knee-slapper, laugh, riot
SCREAM Defined for Kids
1scream
verb \ˈskrēm\
screamedscream·ing
Definition of SCREAM for Kids
: to cry out (as in fright) with a loud and high-pitched sound
— scream·er \ˈskrē-mər\ noun
2scream
noun
Definition of SCREAM for Kids
: a long cry that is loud and high-pitched <But right then, there was this awful scream, and we saw a big wave of water coming toward us. — Jeff Kinney, Wimpy Kid>
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