earsplitting
UK: ˈɪəˌsplɪtɪŋ | US: ˈɪrˌsplɪtɪŋ
adj. extremely loud or shrill, to the point of causing discomfort or pain
The word "earsplitting" is a vivid compound formed by combining "ear" (the organ of hearing) and "splitting" (the act of causing something to split or break apart). The imagery suggests a sound so intense it feels as though it could physically split the ears, emphasizing extreme loudness or piercing quality. This metaphorical construction follows a common pattern in English for describing intense sensory experiences (e.g., "backbreaking," "mind-numbing").
The earsplitting noise of the jet engine made it impossible to converse.
She let out an earsplitting scream when she saw the spider.
The concert was fun, but the earsplitting volume gave me a headache.
Fireworks exploded with an earsplitting bang over the harbor.
The toddler’s earsplitting tantrum echoed through the supermarket.