First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1shriek
verb \ˈshrēk, especially Southern ˈsrēk\
: to make a loud, high-pitched cry
: to say (something) in a loud, high-pitched voice
Full Definition of SHRIEK
intransitive verb
1
: to utter a sharp shrill sound
2
a : to cry out in a high-pitched voice : screech b : to suggest such a cry (as by vividness of expression) <neon colors shrieked for attention — Calvin Tomkins>
transitive verb
1
: to utter with a shriek <shriek an alarm>
2
: to express in a manner suggestive of a shriek
See shriek defined for English-language learners
See shriek defined for kids
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Origin of SHRIEK
Middle English shreken, probably irregular from shriken to shriek; akin to Old Norse skrækja to shriek
2shriek
noun
: a loud, high-pitched cry or sound
Full Definition of SHRIEK
1
: a shrill usually wild or involuntary cry
2
: a sound resembling a shriek <the shriek of chalk on the blackboard>
See shriek defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHRIEK
1567
SHRIEK Defined for Kids
1shriek
verb \ˈshrēk\
shriekedshriek·ing
Definition of SHRIEK for Kids
1
: to make a loud high-pitched cry <We shrieked with delight.>
2
: to say in a loud high-pitched voice <She shrieked my name.>
2shriek
noun
Definition of SHRIEK for Kids
: a loud high-pitched cry or sound
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