What does squawked mean?
Squawked is the past tense of squawk, a word for a sharp, loud, high-pitched cry. Its literal use often describes birds, such as chickens, geese, or hawks, producing abrupt, harsh calls. People also squawk when they protest, complain, or express sudden anger or alarm, making the verb figurative and emotionally charged. In formal writing, a more neutral verb such as shouted, protested, or complained may be preferable, but squawked adds vividness and a sense of noise or indignation. The expression can describe both the sound itself and the act of making that sound, as in a story about the parrot that squawked all morning. Because it evokes a particularly unrefined and forceful vocalization, the word often carries a slightly informal or expressive tone.
verbTo make a loud, harsh, high-pitched cry, especially as a bird does. It can also mean to protest or complain loudly and abruptly.
- To make a loud, harsh, high-pitched cry, especially as a bird does.
- To protest or complain loudly and abruptly.
"The hen squawked when the fox approached the coop."
"The eagle squawked overhead as it circled the mountain."
"Residents squawked when they learned that the park would be closed."
From birds to human beings, a squawk is the sound of outrage or alarm amplified to full volume.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squawked come from?
Squawk is an imitative verb formed to suggest the harsh, high-pitched sound made by birds. The word developed in English during the 17th century, related in sound and formation to other vocal imitations such as squeak. Its figurative use for noisy human complaint developed later from the idea of making an abrupt, vociferous outcry.
Related word forms
How squawked is actually used
The word is vivid and slightly informal when used for human speech; in its literal sense, it commonly describes the abrupt calls of birds or other animals.
Easily confused with squawked
A squeak is usually softer and higher-pitched, while a squawk is a louder, harsher cry.
A scream is typically a sustained high-pitched vocal expression, whereas a squawk is often abrupt and harsh.