shriek
UK: ʃriːk | US: ʃriːk
n. a loud, sharp, piercing cry or sound, often expressing terror, pain, or excitement
v. to utter a loud, sharp, piercing cry
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The word "shriek" is of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the sound of a high-pitched, sudden cry. It first appeared in Middle English as "shriken," likely influenced by Old Norse "skrækja" (to screech) or Scandinavian languages. Its vivid sound-mimicking quality has kept its form and meaning largely unchanged over centuries, directly linking the word to the act of screaming or screeching.
She let out a shriek when she saw the spider.
The owl’s shriek echoed through the forest at night.
He shrieked in delight as he opened the surprise gift.
A sudden shriek from the alley made everyone turn their heads.
The tea kettle began to shriek as the water boiled.