shriek Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun sharp piercing cry
    screaming; screech; screeching; scream; shrieking.
    • her screaming attracted the neighbors
  2. noun a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry
    screech; screeching; screaming; scream; shrieking.
    • he ducked at the screechings of shells
    • he heard the scream of the brakes
  3. verb utter a shrill cry
    pipe; shrill; pipe up.

WordNet

Shriek intransitive verb
Etymology
OE. shriken, originallythe same word as E. screech. See Screech, and cf. Screak.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Shrieked ; present participle & verbal noun Shrieking
Definitions
  1. To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish.
    It was the owl that shrieked. Shak.
    At this she shrieked aloud; the mournful train Echoed her grief. Dryden.
Shriek transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks.
    On top whereof aye dwelt the ghostly owl, Shrieking his baleful note. Spenser.
    She shrieked his name To the dark woods. Moore.
Shriek noun
Definitions
  1. A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.
    Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town. Dryden.

Webster 1913