scream

¹scream

verb \ˈskrēm\

Definition of SCREAM

intransitive verb

1

a (1) : to voice a sudden sharp loud cry (2) : to produce harsh high tones b : to make a noise resembling a scream <the siren screamed> c : to move with great rapidity

2

a : to speak or write with intense or hysterical emotion b : to protest, demand, or complain vehemently c : to laugh hysterically

3

: to produce a vivid startling effect

transitive verb

: to utter with or as if with a scream

Examples of SCREAM

1. She screamed when the door suddenly slammed shut.
2. This is so irritating I could scream.
3. The crowd screamed with excitement.
4. He was dragged, kicking and screaming, from the room.
5. He screamed at her to stop.
6. Sirens were screaming in the distance.
7. Police cars screamed down the street.
8. Newspaper headlines screamed about the spike in crime.

Origin of SCREAM

Middle English scremen; akin to Middle Dutch schreem scream

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to SCREAM

Synonyms: howl, screech, shriek, shrill, squall, squeal, yelp, yell

Antonyms: crow, delight, rejoice

Related Words: bay, caterwaul, keen, squawk, wail, yawp (or yaup), yowl; bawl, call, cry, holler, shout, thunder, vociferate

Near Antonyms: murmur, mutter, whisper

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with SCREAM

beam, bream, cream, deem, deme, dream, gleam, meme, neem, Nîmes, ream, scheme, seam, seem, seme, steam, stream, team, teem, theme