What does screeched mean?
“Screeched” is the past tense and past participle of “screech,” a verb meaning to produce a very high-pitched, piercing sound. People screech when frightened, distressed, angry, or intensely excited, and the sound is typically harsher and more penetrating than an ordinary shout. The verb can also describe mechanical noises: brakes may screech against the road, metal may screech as it moves, or an animal may screech in alarm. In these contexts, the verb remains vivid rather than strictly literal, suggesting a sudden, sustained, and unpleasant noise. “Screeched” is especially effective in narrative writing because it communicates both the character of a sound and, often, the urgency or distress accompanying it. It is standard in British and American English and is frequently used in reporting accidents, describing frightened people, and rendering the noises of vehicles, machinery, and animals.
verbTo utter a very high-pitched, piercing sound, especially in fear, pain, or anger. In intransitive use, it can describe a machine or animal producing a similar sound.
- To produce a high-pitched, piercing cry or sound, typically because of fear, pain, anger, or excitement.
- To make a harsh, high-pitched sound, as from brakes, machinery, or an animal.
"The brakes screeched as the car skidded across the icy road."
"The startled bird screeched and flew from the branch."
"Tyres screeched as the driver braked suddenly."
A screech is not merely loud: its piercing quality makes it almost impossible to ignore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does screeched come from?
The verb “screech” comes from Middle English and developed from an Old English root associated with a shrill cry. Its sound is largely imitative, reflecting the piercing vocal quality it denotes. The modern form became established with the familiar meaning of crying out loudly and sharply, as well as describing similar metallic or mechanical noises.
Related word forms
How screeched is actually used
The word is especially associated with an abrupt, harsh, high-pitched sound. It is common in both formal and informal contexts but is often more vivid and emotionally charged than “shouted” or “called.”
Easily confused with screeched
“Screech” is the base verb form, while “screeched” is its past-tense and past-participle form.
Both can describe a loud vocal outburst, but “screeched” typically suggests an especially high-pitched, harsh, or piercing sound.