screech

US /skriːtʃ/

UK /skriːtʃ/

1.

a loud, harsh, piercing cry or sound

:

•

The car came to a sudden halt with a loud screech of tires.

•

We heard the screech of an owl in the distance.

:

shriek squeal howl yelp wail

1.

to make a loud, harsh, piercing cry or sound

:

•

The brakes screeched as the bus stopped suddenly.

•

She screeched in delight when she saw the present.

:

shriek squeal howl yelp wail

:

screech owl