Meaning & use
shriek
To make a loud, high-pitched cry, typically expressing fear, pain, or excitement.
See it in a sentence
She shrieked when the spider dropped onto her desk.
The children shrieked with laughter as they raced down the water slide.
A note on using this word
Shriek suggests a sharper, higher pitch than scream, often used for sudden shock or excitement.
Words with a similar meaning
screamscreech
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Another way to use it
2. noun
A loud, high-pitched cry.
A shriek echoed through the house when the lights suddenly went out.
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