screeching
word · lemma: screech
/ˈskɹitʃɪŋ/
SKREE-ching
/skɹˈiːtʃɪŋ/
SKREE-ching
Definition
Making or involving a loud, harsh, high-pitched sound. Can describe an ongoing action (verb form) or a quality of sound (adjective).
Usage & Nuances
Stronger and harsher than "screaming." Often used for brakes, tires, animals (owls, bats), or metal-on-metal sounds. The phrase "screeching halt" means an abrupt, dramatic stop — literal or figurative.
Spanish: chirriante - chillandoPortuguese (BR): estridente - guinchandoPortuguese (PT): estridente - guinchandoChinese (Simplified): 刺耳的 - 尖叫Chinese (Traditional): 刺耳的 - 尖叫Hindi: चीखता हुआ - कर्कशArabic: صارخ - صريخ حادBengali: কীচকিচে - চিঁচিঁ শব্দযুক্তRussian: визжащий - скрежещущийJapanese: キーキーいう - 甲高い（音）Vietnamese: rít lên - the théKorean: 끼익거리는 - 날카로운 소리의Turkish: cıyaklayan - acı acı bağıranUrdu: چیخنے والی - تیز آوازIndonesian: mencicit - melengking
Example Sentences
An owl was screeching in the trees outside.
basic
That screeching noise is really annoying.
basic
Negotiations came to a screeching halt when the scandal broke.
natural
The subway's screeching brakes echoed through the underground tunnel.
natural
She kept screeching at the kids to come inside before dark.
natural
The car came to a screeching halt at the red light.
basic