squeal
B2Informal
Definition
Meaning
To make a long, high-pitched cry or sound, often expressing pain, fear, excitement, or protest.
To inform on someone to an authority; to betray a secret or accomplice.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning relates to a sharp, often unpleasant sound made by animals, humans, or objects. The secondary, figurative meaning ('to inform') is slang, often used in crime or police contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are used in both varieties. The slang meaning ('to inform') is slightly more established in AmE crime/police jargon.
Connotations
The sound-related meaning often connotes distress, protest, or lack of control. The 'informing' meaning carries strong negative connotations of betrayal.
Frequency
The sound meaning is common. The 'informing' meaning is less frequent and context-dependent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SQUEAL (intransitive)SQUEAL on somebody (phrasal verb, transitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “squeal like a stuck pig”
- “squeal with glee”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The market squealed at the news of the interest rate hike.'
Academic
Very rare, except in specific fields like animal behaviour or acoustics.
Everyday
Common for describing sounds of children, animals, or vehicles.
Technical
Used in automotive contexts for brake or tyre noise.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- A squeal of feedback came from the loudspeaker.
- She gave a little squeal of excitement when she saw the puppy.
American English
- The squeal of the brakes needed immediate attention.
- A squeal from the back seat told me the kids loved the surprise.
verb
British English
- The piglets will squeal if separated from their mother.
- He refused to squeal on his mates to the police.
American English
- The tires squealed as the car took the corner too fast.
- Facing a longer sentence, she decided to squeal on the ringleader.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby squeals when she is happy.
- My bike makes a squeal when I brake.
- We heard a loud squeal from the playground.
- The door hinge needs oil; it squeals every time we open it.
- The journalist promised not to reveal which minister had squealed on the scandal.
- The metal grinded against metal with a horrific squeal.
- Under intense interrogation, the captured agent eventually squealed, compromising the entire network.
- The proposal was met with squeals of outrage from the traditionalist faction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SQUIRREL with a high-pitched voice – it might SQUEAL.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTEST IS A SHARP SOUND; BETRAYAL IS REVEALING A SECRET (often involuntarily, like a sound forced out).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'визг' (screech) which can be more grating. 'Squeal' is often shorter, sharper. The verb 'to squeal on' has no direct single-word equivalent; use 'донести на' or 'выдать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'squeal' for a low sound. Confusing it with 'squeak' (which is shorter, quieter, often for objects). Overusing the 'informing' meaning in formal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In criminal slang, 'to squeal' means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A squeal is typically a longer, louder, more emotional or distressed sound (often from an animal or person). A squeak is a short, sharp, high-pitched sound, often from an object (like a door hinge or a mouse).
No. While often linked to pain, fear, or protest, it can also express positive excitement or delight, especially with children ('squeals of joy').
Yes, metaphorically. Brakes, tyres, machinery, or audio feedback can be described as squealing when they produce a similar high-pitched, often grating sound.
It is quite informal and belongs to slang, particularly associated with police, crime, and gang contexts. It's not suitable for formal writing.