(~er, ~est)
1.
A ~ sound is high-pitched and unpleasant.
Shrill cries and startled oaths flew up around us as pandemonium broke out...
Mary Ann’s voice grew ~.
= piercing
ADJ
~y
‘What are you doing?’ she demanded ~y.
ADV: usu ADV with v
~ness
...that ugly ~ness in her voice.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
If you describe a demand, protest, or statement as ~, you disapprove of it and do not like the strong, forceful way it is said.
Shrill voices on both sides of the Atlantic are advocating protectionism.
ADJ: usu ADJ n disapproval