Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Shriek?

\Shriek\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Shrieked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Shrieking}.] [OE. shriken, originallythe same word as E. screech. See {Screech}, and cf. {Screak}.] To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish. It was the owl that shrieked. --Shak. At this she shrieked aloud; the mournful train Echoed her grief. --Dryden.
\Shriek\, v. t. To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks. On top whereof aye dwelt the ghostly owl, Shrieking his baleful note. --Spenser. She shrieked his name To the dark woods. --Moore.
\Shriek\, n. A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like. Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town. --Dryden. {Shriek owl}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) The screech owl. (b) The swift; -- so called from its cry.