What does squalled mean?
Squalled is the past tense and past participle of squall, a verb that describes making a loud, sudden cry or shout. It can suggest fear, pain, anger, surprise, or excitement, as when a child squalls after being startled. In less formal contexts, squalled can also mean to complain or protest forcefully, often with an implication that the speaker is being difficult or excessively expressive. The word is useful because it combines an abrupt quality with a strong vocal force: the cry happens quickly and commands attention. Although squall also functions as a noun for a sudden violent storm, squalled itself is normally used as a verb in expressions such as describing someone crying out or protesting. Its wording is often more expressive and dramatic than the plainer shouted or yelled.
verbSqualled is the past tense and past participle of squall. It means to cry out or speak in a loud, sudden voice; in informal use, it can also mean to complain or protest loudly.
- Cried out loudly or made a sudden, forceful cry.
- Complained or protested loudly, especially in informal usage.
"The child squalled when the door slammed."
"The child squalled when the door slammed."
"Residents squalled in protest after the announcement."
Squalled captures the sudden force of a voice breaking through: the instant a cry, shout, or complaint becomes impossible to ignore.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squalled come from?
Squalled is the past tense and past participle of squall. Squall was recorded in Middle English, although its deeper origin is uncertain, so claims linking it to a specific foreign language should be treated cautiously. The word developed both as a noun for a sudden violent storm and as a verb for making a loud cry or complaining forcefully.
Related word forms
How squalled is actually used
The sense meaning to cry out or shout is neutral to literary and is often used for a sudden cry of fear, pain, excitement, or anger. The sense meaning to complain loudly is more informal and may sound critical or impatient.
Easily confused with squalled
Squealed usually describes a high-pitched, shrill cry, while squalled refers more broadly to a loud, sudden cry or shout.