shriek
B2Predominantly informal; can be neutral in descriptive or literary contexts; slang usage is highly informal.
Definition
Meaning
A high-pitched, piercing cry or scream expressing strong emotion, typically fear, pain, or excitement.
Can refer to any loud, high-pitched sound resembling such a cry (e.g., a mechanical shriek), or a slang term for something extremely funny ('it's a shriek').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a sharp, involuntary, and emotionally charged sound. Distinct from 'scream' or 'yell' in its specific focus on pitch and often suddenness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling and core usage are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK informal slang (e.g., 'What a shriek!') to mean something hilarious.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects, fitting the same stylistic niches.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN: She let out a shriek.VERB: She shrieked in surprise.VERB + ADV/PREP: He shrieked at the sight of the mouse.VERB + QUOTE: 'Look out!' she shrieked.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shriek with laughter”
- “shriek like a banshee”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused, except in hyperbolic, informal metaphorical descriptions (e.g., 'The market's collapse sent a shriek through the industry').
Academic
Rare; found primarily in literary analysis or psychological studies describing vocal reactions.
Everyday
Common for describing reactions to surprise, fear, or amusement.
Technical
Used in acoustics or sound engineering to describe a specific frequency profile.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The children shrieked with glee at the clown.
- She shrieked, 'Mind the gap!' as the doors closed.
American English
- He shrieked when he saw the spider on his shoulder.
- The tyres shrieked as the car rounded the corner.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Shriek' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A. 'Shriek' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A. 'Shriek' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use 'shrieking' as a participial adjective.
American English
- N/A. 'Shriek' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use 'shrieking' as a participial adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby let out a shriek.
- I heard a shriek from the other room.
- A sudden shriek made everyone turn around.
- She shrieked when she won the prize.
- The audience shrieked with laughter at the comedian's joke.
- The metal shrieked in protest as it was bent.
- His latest novel is an absolute shriek—I couldn't put it down for laughing.
- A shriek of feedback from the microphone silenced the room.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHRIEK as a SHRILL, SEEKING sound that pierces your ears.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIGH PITCH IS HIGH EMOTION / SOUND IS A SHARP OBJECT (piercing shriek).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'визг' for all contexts; 'визг' often implies a shrill, less involuntary sound (like a pig). 'shriek' is more sudden and emotional.
- Do not confuse with 'кричать' (to shout/yell). 'Shriek' specifies pitch and emotion.
- The noun 'shriek' can be translated as 'пронзительный крик' or 'вопль' in more intense contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'shriek' for a low, guttural scream (use 'roar', 'bellow').
- Overusing it in formal writing.
- Incorrect tense forms: 'shrieked', 'shrieking' (not 'shreeked').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the use of 'shriek' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for any high-pitched, piercing sound, such as those made by machinery, animals, or sirens.
'Shriek' emphasises high pitch and often sudden emotion. 'Scream' is broader, covering loud, high-pitched cries of fear, anger, or excitement. 'Yell' is a loud cry, but not necessarily high-pitched, often associated with anger or calling out.
Yes, in phrases like 'shriek with delight' or 'shriek of joy'. It's also informal slang for something very funny.
It is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle are 'shrieked'.