What does shriek mean?
To shriek is to produce a sudden cry with a high, piercing voice, usually because of fear, pain, shock, or overwhelming emotion. The word is often more vivid than scream because it emphasizes the sound’s sharp pitch and abrupt onset: a person may shriek with fear, shriek in pain, or shriek with delight. Shrieking laughter similarly suggests excitement so intense that it is expressed loudly and uninhibitedly. The related noun, a shriek, names the cry itself and is commonly described as piercing, high-pitched, or blood-curdling in narrative contexts. Although shriek is used in both British and American English, it may sound somewhat literary or emotionally heightened compared with the broader everyday term scream. It is particularly useful for describing sounds that convey immediate, intense reaction.
To make a sudden, high-pitched cry from fear, pain, shock, or intense emotion; also, to laugh or express delight in such a cry.
"The baby awoke and shrieked for help."
Often used with “with” followed by a feeling or cause, as in “shriek with fear” or “shriek with delight.”
A sudden, high-pitched cry, especially one caused by fear, pain, shock, or intense emotion.
" A piercing shriek echoed through the corridor."
The noun usually describes a brief, abrupt cry rather than a prolonged vocalization.
Used for the noun; one shriek is a single high-pitched cry, while plural shrieks can refer to several cries or a series of cries.
"Sudden shrieks came from the audience as the lights went out."
Shrieking is the sound of surprise turned up to maximum volume.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shriek come from?
The word descends from Middle English shrikken, which came from Old English scrīcan, meaning “to scream.” Its sharp, high sound reflects the imitative character of the word: the pronunciation is designed to suggest the kind of cry it names.
Related word forms
How shriek is actually used
The word is especially common in narrative and descriptive writing. It often conveys involuntary alarm, pain, excitement, or hysteria, and can be deliberately exaggerated for humorous effect.
Easily confused with shriek
A shriek is typically a sudden, sharp cry, whereas a screech is often a sustained or repeatedly high-pitched cry.