shriek
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ʃriːk/
KK: /ʃrik/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a loud, high-pitched sound, often because of fear, excitement, or pain.
Example
She let out a shriek when she saw the spider.
Tense Forms
Past: shrieked
Past Participle: shrieked
Conversation
Did you hear that loud shriek earlier?
Yeah, it really startled me!
I wonder what made that sound.
Maybe it was just a cat or something.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
scream
yell
howl
Antonyms
whisper
murmur
silence
noun
Definition
A loud, high-pitched sound made when someone is very scared, excited, or in pain.
Example
The sudden shriek of the child startled everyone in the room.
Conversation
Did you hear that shriek earlier?
Yeah, it sounded like someone was really scared!
I wonder what caused that loud shriek in the park.
transitive verb
Definition
To make a loud, high-pitched sound, often because of fear, excitement, or pain.
Example
She let out a shriek when she saw the spider on her desk.
Tense Forms
Past: shrieked
Past Participle: shrieked
Conversation
Did you hear her shriek when she saw the spider?
Yeah, it was so loud! I almost jumped.
I didn't expect her to shriek like that over such a small thing.
Root Explanation
**Shriek** → The word 'shriek' originates from Old English 'scrīcan', meaning to cry out or scream. It describes a sharp, high-pitched sound made in fear or excitement.
Memory Tip
Imagine a sudden, loud cry that pierces the air — that's what a shriek is, coming from the Old English word for a loud scream.
Visually Confused Words
beshriek
shik
outshriek