screech
B2Informal to neutral; common in descriptive and narrative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A loud, high-pitched, harsh, and piercing sound, often made by animals, birds, machinery, or humans in distress or excitement.
To make such a sound; also used metaphorically for any sudden, loud, unpleasant noise or vocal expression.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly associated with unpleasantness, alarm, or lack of control. Can describe both vocal and non-vocal sounds (e.g., brakes, tires).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word identically.
Connotations
Equally negative/connotative in both dialects.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] screeches[Subject] screeches [Object] (e.g., a warning)[Subject] screeches to a halt/stop[Subject] lets out a screechVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “screech to a halt”
- “screech owl”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The project screeched to a halt after the budget cuts.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing; may appear in literary analysis or descriptive biology texts.
Everyday
Common for describing unpleasant, loud noises from animals, people, or vehicles.
Technical
Used in ornithology (e.g., screech owl) and automotive contexts to describe tire or brake noise.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The train's brakes screeched horribly as it approached the platform.
- She screeched in terror when she saw the spider.
American English
- The car screeched to a stop at the red light.
- He screeched the lyrics into the microphone.
adverb
British English
- The car stopped screechingly close to the edge.
- (Rare usage)
American English
- (Rare usage; 'screechingly' is occasionally used for emphasis, e.g., 'screechingly loud')
adjective
British English
- The screech owl is a common sight in British woodlands.
- We were kept awake by a screech parrot next door.
American English
- We heard the call of an Eastern screech owl.
- The screech feedback from the speaker was unbearable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat screeched at the dog.
- I heard a loud screech.
- The bus screeched to a halt at the bus stop.
- The children screeched with laughter on the rollercoaster.
- The sound of screeching metal filled the air after the collision.
- He screeched out a warning just before the tree fell.
- The politician's speech was met with screeches of derision from the opposition benches.
- The violin solo was deliberately played with a screeching, atonal quality.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound of SCREECHing brakes – it SCREECHes your Ears.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (a screech can 'pierce' the air); SUDDEN STOPPING IS A VIOLENT SOUND (screech to a halt).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'кричать' (to shout) – it's more specific. Closer to 'визжать', 'скрипеть' (for brakes).
- Do not confuse with 'scratch' (царапать).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The baby screeched happily.' (Usually implies negative emotion) Correct: 'The baby screeched in pain/frustration.'
- Misspelling as 'screach' or 'skreetch'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'screech' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is commonly used for mechanical sounds like brakes, tires, or rusty hinges, as well as for animals and people.
'Screech' implies a higher, more harsh, piercing, and often shorter or more grating sound than the broader term 'scream'.
Rarely. It typically carries a negative connotation of alarm, pain, or unpleasantness. It can be used for laughter ('screech with laughter'), but this still describes a loud, uncontrolled, and often harsh sound.
Yes, it's the common name for several small owl species (genus Megascops) known for their trilling or whinnying calls, which can sound screech-like.