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Definition of shriek

shriek

/ʃɹiːk/
shriek
Plural:shrieks
•
Adjective:shrieky
•
Past Simple:shrieked
•
Past Participle:shrieked
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Present Participle:shrieking
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shriek Lexical Profile

shriek Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A high-pitched, piercing cry or sound, typically expressing terror, pain, or sudden excitement.

Example

"The sudden drop on the roller coaster elicited a loud shriek from the passengers in the front row."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To utter a high-pitched, piercing sound or words in a shrill, frantic tone.

Example

"The children began to shriek with delight as the cold ocean waves washed over their feet."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shriek
Antonyms
View all antonyms for shriek

• Rhymes for shriek

• Nearby Words

shrewish
shrewishly
shrewlike
shriek
shrieker
shrieky
shrike

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating back to the 16th century, 'shriek' is of imitative origin, closely related to Old Norse 'skrækja' (to screech) and Middle English 'shriken', formed to mimic a shrill, piercing sound.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shriek. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shriek
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