shriek

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shriek" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "shriek" to describe a loud, high-pitched cry or scream of distress, fear, or excitement. For example, "She let out a loud shriek when she saw the spider crawling on her arm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I did shriek "What?!" when someone on the radio said it meant women were less likely to "have to endure an epidural".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Go to a stadium and shriek and scream at the top of your voice if you want to demonstrate," Abdullah said.

The Guardian

German artist Höller, who originally trained as an agricultural scientist, is renowned for turning art galleries into playgrounds full of adults and children, making them shriek with glee and occasionally terror.

The Guardian - Arts

This time every year, without fail, the temperature rises, the evenings lengthen and the UK Eurovision organisers force some poor unknown gonk to shriek out an abysmal mess of a career-ending almost-song to universal disdain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Air-defence missiles shriek across the leaden sky.

The Economist

Or perhaps it is the exclamation mark, once known as the "shriek mark .Mr Hitchings's book is a corrective to some of these linguistic prejudices.

The Economist

Non-governmental organisations in the United States still shriek about jobs lost to NAFTA, even though unemployment fell to its lowest levels in decades well below the supposedly "natural" rate during the life of the agreement.

The Economist

Mr Clinton was soft on terrorism, they shriek; he let an economic bubble inflate; he devalued the presidency.Now what Hillary Clinton once labelled "the vast right-wing conspiracy" has unveiled its most lethal weapon: Sidney Blumenthal.

The Economist

HIGH above the border province of Paktika, in eastern Afghanistan, NATO airwaves shriek, crackle and hum .Kandahar this is Card Shark Seven-Eight at ten," a soft Texan twang rings over the radio.

The Economist

Does the NODE instruct users, as its hypermarketeers shriek, that "Infinitives should be split"?

The Economist

Yet it is also a shriek of fury against the invasiveness of modern marketing—and one the president understands.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shriek" to describe a sudden, high-pitched cry, often expressing fear, pain, or excitement. It's more specific than a general "scream" or "yell".

Common error

While "shriek" is a vivid word, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "exclaim" or "cry out" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "shriek" functions primarily as a verb to describe the act of uttering a loud, sharp, piercing cry, often indicative of intense emotion such as fear or excitement. It can also function as a noun referring to the cry itself. Ludwig's examples illustrate both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shriek" is a versatile word used to describe a loud, high-pitched cry. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. As a verb or a noun, "shriek" effectively conveys strong emotions like fear, surprise, or excitement, as highlighted across various examples from news media, encyclopedias, and literature. While a vivid descriptor, consider the context and audience to ensure its appropriateness, opting for more neutral terms in formal settings. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "scream" or "screech", adjusting based on desired intensity and tone. Its widespread use underscores its value in expressive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scream

A general term for a loud, piercing cry, closely related to "shriek" but potentially less intense.

screech

Implies a high-pitched, grating sound, similar to "shriek" but often associated with mechanical or animal sounds.

yell

A loud cry, but not necessarily high-pitched or indicative of distress, making it a more general term than "shriek".

holler

Suggests a loud call or shout, often used to attract attention, differing from the distress or fear implied by "shriek".

bawl

To cry loudly and uncontrollably, conveying a stronger sense of grief or pain than "shriek".

wail

A prolonged, mournful cry, emphasizing sorrow or lamentation, in contrast to the suddenness of a "shriek".

howl

Often associated with animals or a prolonged, mournful cry, it suggests a more primal and intense vocalization compared to "shriek".

cry out

A general term for making a sudden, loud vocalization, which can encompass various emotions beyond the fear or pain often associated with "shriek".

call out

implies to speak loudly, usually to get someone's attention, diverging from the emotional intensity conveyed by "shriek".

ululate

Suggests a high-pitched, wavering cry, often associated with mourning or celebration in certain cultures, differing in its cultural context and tonal quality from "shriek".

FAQs

How can I use "shriek" in a sentence?

You can use "shriek" as both a verb and a noun. As a verb: "She shrieked in terror when she saw the snake". As a noun: "The shriek echoed through the empty house".

What's the difference between "shriek" and "scream"?

"Shriek" often implies a higher pitch and more intense emotion, like fear or surprise, while "scream" is a more general term for a loud cry.

What are some synonyms for "shriek"?

Some synonyms for "shriek" include "screech", "scream", "yell", and "cry out". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "shriek" in professional writing?

While "shriek" can be effective in descriptive writing, it may be too informal or dramatic for professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "exclaim" or "announce loudly" for a more professional tone.