squeal
noun
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L328374 on Wikidata ↗verb
- make high-pitched sounds
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /skwiːl/ / /skwil/
noun
Etymology: Inherited from Middle English squelen, probably from Old Norse skvala (“to squeal, bawl”), from Proto-Germanic *skwel- (“to chatter, babble, scream”), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *skel-, from *kelh₁- (“to ring, resound, cry”). Compare Old Norse skval (“a squeal”, noun), Swedish skvallra (“to babble, chatter, tell on”).
- A high-pitched sound, such as the scream of a child or a female person, or noisy worn-down brake pads.
- The cry of a pig.
verb
Etymology: Inherited from Middle English squelen, probably from Old Norse skvala (“to squeal, bawl”), from Proto-Germanic *skwel- (“to chatter, babble, scream”), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *skel-, from *kelh₁- (“to ring, resound, cry”). Compare Old Norse skval (“a squeal”, noun), Swedish skvallra (“to babble, chatter, tell on”).
- To scream with a shrill, prolonged sound.
“The children squealed with delight while opening their Christmas presents.”
- To make a squealing noise. (of an object)
“The brakes squeal terribly.”
“We continue through suburban Newcastle along the edge of the Tyne, before squealing around the tight curves onto the magnificent High Level bridge, which affords glorious views across Newcastle and along the river before arriving at journey's end.”
- To give sensitive information about someone to a third party; to rat on someone.
“You'd better not squeal on me to the cops.”