I. ˈskwēk verb
Etymology: Middle English squeken, of imitative origin
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. : to utter or make a short shrill cry or noise
2. : squeal 2a
3. : to pass, succeed, or win by a narrow margin
just squeak ed by in the election
transitive verb
: to utter in a shrill piping tone
II. noun
Date: 1700
1. : a sharp shrill cry or sound
2. : escape
a close squeak
• squeaky ˈskwē-kē adjective