Main Entry: ¹shriek

Pronunciation: \ˈshrēk, especially Southern ˈsrēk\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English shreken, probably irregular from shriken to shriek; akin to Old Norse skrækja to shriek

Date: 15th century

intransitive verb 1 : to utter a sharp shrill sound
2 a : to cry out in a high-pitched voice : screech b : to suggest such a cry (as by vividness of expression) <neon colors shrieked for attention — Calvin Tomkins>transitive verb 1 : to utter with a shriek <shriek an alarm>
2 : to express in a manner suggestive of a shriek