A high pitched, piercing cry is a shriek. A common response to finding a snake curled in the silverware drawer would be to shriek.
To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish.
Noun
sharp piercing cry; "her screaming attracted the neighbors"
Noun
a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry; "he ducked at the screechings of shells"; "he heard the scream of the brakes"
Verb
utter a shrill cry
v. i.
To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some
birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or
anguish.
v. t.
To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a
shriek or shrieks.
n.
A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as
is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.
Shriek
It was the owl that shrieked.
At this she shrieked aloud; the mournful train Echoed her grief.
Shriek
On top whereof aye dwelt the ghostly owl, Shrieking his baleful note.
She shrieked his name To the dark woods.
Shriek
Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town.
To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish.
To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks.
A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.
Usage Examples
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