skrike: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / Obsolete (Standard English); Dialectal / Archaic.Regional / Dialectal (Northern England, Scotland), Archaic, Poetic.
Quick answer
What does “skrike” mean?
to scream, shriek, or cry out loudly, typically in distress, pain, or alarm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to scream, shriek, or cry out loudly, typically in distress, pain, or alarm; a loud, sharp cry.
A regional and chiefly Northern English and Scots term for a piercing cry or scream, often with a connotation of suddenness or sharpness. In Scotland, it can also refer to the sound of certain birds, like the curlew or peewit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, it is recognised as a dialectal/archaic word, primarily from Northern England and Scotland. In American English, it is virtually unknown and would be considered highly obscure or a typographical error for 'strike' or 'shriek'.
Connotations
In its regional use, it carries a vivid, folksy, or traditional connotation. In broader contexts, it sounds archaic or literary.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern standard usage. Its frequency is limited to dialect literature, historical texts, or deliberate archaisms.
Grammar
How to Use “skrike” in a Sentence
to skrike (intransitive)to skrike (that) + clause (archaic/dialect)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skrike” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bairn skriked when it fell.
- He'll skrike if he sees a spider.
American English
- (Not used in AmE; equivalent) The child shrieked when it fell.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; possible in dialect) He cried out skrikingly.
American English
- (Not applicable)
adjective
British English
- (Rare, typically participle) The skriking child was soon comforted.
- We heard a skriking sound from the moor.
American English
- (Not applicable)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or studies of English dialects.
Everyday
Not used in standard everyday English. May be heard in specific regional areas of the UK.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skrike”
- Misspelling as 'strike'.
- Using it in standard modern contexts where 'scream' or 'shriek' is appropriate.
- Assuming it is a common verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a dialectal or archaic word, primarily from Northern England and Scotland. It is not part of modern Standard English.
They are essentially synonyms, but 'shriek' is the standard modern term. 'Skrike' is its regional/archaic counterpart, with the same core meaning of a loud, sharp cry.
Generally, no. It should only be used in creative writing to evoke a specific dialect, in historical fiction, or in linguistic discussions. For formal contexts, use 'shriek', 'scream', or 'screech'.
No, they are unrelated. 'Skrike' is of Middle English and Old Norse origin (related to Old Norse 'skríkja' meaning to shriek). 'Strike' comes from Old English 'strīcan' (to stroke, go). The similarity in spelling is coincidental.
to scream, shriek, or cry out loudly, typically in distress, pain, or alarm.
Skrike: in British English it is pronounced /skraɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /skraɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Skrike and greet (Northern dialect: to cry and weep noisily)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SKY' + 'SHRIEK'. A shriek that pierces the sky is a SKRIKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SOUND IS A SHARP OBJECT (it pierces the air). PAIN/DISTRESS IS A FORCE THAT PRODUCES SOUND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'skrike' MOST likely to be found?