scream
skreem
Scream (noun) means a loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement. Example: “A scream of delight rose from the children on the roller coaster.”
noun
1
A loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement.
"A scream of delight rose from the children on the roller coaster."
"We heard a terrified scream from the garden and ran outside."
"Her scream brought the neighbors running."
verb
1
To cry out loudly and sharply, especially from fear, pain, or excitement.
"The fans screamed with joy as the band walked on stage."
"She screamed when the lights suddenly went out."
"He screamed in pain after twisting his ankle."
2
To be extremely obvious or unmistakable in showing a particular quality.
"Her tidy desk and neat notes scream efficiency to anyone who visits."
"The bright yellow car screamed for attention on the quiet street."
"The peeling paint screamed neglect."
How to use scream
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA loud cry of strong emotion, or to make one; also used figuratively for something obviously true or evident.
Common pairings
scream in terror
a piercing scream
scream for help
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Word forms
- Plural
- screams
- Third person singular
- screams
- Past tense
- screamed, screamt
- Archaic forms
- screamest, screamedst, screameth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ of delight rose from the children on the roller coaster.
Etymology
From Middle English scremen, related to Dutch and Scandinavian words meaning \"to yell\" or \"to terrify.\"
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for scream
See all rhymes for scream →Frequently asked questions
What does “scream” mean?
The word “scream” means a loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement. In plain terms, a loud cry of strong emotion, or to make one; also used figuratively for something obviously true or evident.
How do you pronounce “scream”?
“Scream” is pronounced skreem (/skɹiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “scream” in a sentence?
Here is “scream” used in a sentence: “Her scream brought the neighbors running.”
What part of speech is “scream”?
Depending on how it is used, “scream” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scream” come from?
The word “scream” comes from Middle English. From Middle English scremen, related to Dutch and Scandinavian words meaning \"to yell\" or \"to terrify.\".
Is “scream” a common word?
“Scream” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “scream” have?
“Scream” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement.
What is the difference between a scream and a shout?
A scream is a loud, high-pitched cry expressing strong emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement. A shout is loud but not necessarily high-pitched and often carries words, so screaming is sharper and more emotional than shouting.
What is the difference between a scream and a screech?
A scream is a loud, high-pitched human cry driven by strong emotion. A screech is a harsh, grating, high-pitched sound that can come from a person, an animal, or an object such as brakes, so a screech emphasises harshness more than emotion.
What is the difference between scream and shriek?
Both describe a loud, high-pitched cry. A shriek is usually shorter, sharper, and more sudden, while a scream can be more sustained, though the two words are often used to mean much the same thing.
What is the difference between scream as a noun and as a verb?
As a noun, a scream is the loud, high-pitched cry itself, as in she let out a scream. As a verb, to scream is the act of producing that cry, especially from fear, pain, or excitement, as in she began to scream.
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