I. ˈskrēch verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: alteration of earlier scritch, from Middle English scrichen; akin to Old Norse skrækja to screech — more at scream
intransitive verb
1. : to utter a high shrill piercing cry : make an outcry usually in terror or pain
2. : to make a sound resembling a screech
the driver applied his brakes … and the car screeched to a standstill — Bruce Marshall
the gate screeched behind him — Nadine Gordimer
transitive verb
: to utter with or as if with a screech
their voices screeching out the battle cries — T.B.Costain
II. noun
( -es )
1. : a high very shrill piercing cry usually expressing extreme pain or terror
the voice was a strident screech torn from the lungs — Marcia Davenport
2. : a sound resembling or having the effect of a screech
an earsplitting screech of brakes — Donald Windham
the screech of fire sirens — H.A.Chippendale