I. ˈskwēl, esp before pause or consonant -ēəl verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English squelen, probably of imitative origin
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to cry with a sharp shrill prolonged sound
horses squealed with terror — Kenneth Roberts
the bird squealed as if in sudden pain — E.A.Armstrong
squeal with delight
b. : to emit a usually loud and prolonged shrill piercing noise
chalk squealing on a slate — John Lardner
heard the brakes squeal
2.
a. : to turn informer : squeak
he trusted me and I squealed — Best True Fact Detective
— usually used with on
marked for death by other prisoners because … he squealed on them — Springfield (Massachusetts) Union
b. : complain , protest
individual interests … getting hurt … are apt to squeal — Bertrum Mycock
transitive verb
: to utter or express with or as if with a squeal
pigs … squeal emphatic disapproval of their enforced journey — Leslie Stephen
II. noun
( -s )
: a shrill sharp somewhat prolonged cry or noise ; specifically : howl 5