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shrill

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The definition of shrill is someone or something that is loud and high-pitched, or that is loud and forceful.

(adjective)

An example of a sound that would be described as shrill is a high-pitched, loud complaint.

See shrill in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

having or producing a high, thin, piercing tone; high-pitched
characterized or accompanied by shrill sounds
unrestrained and irritatingly insistent
Archaic keen; sharp; biting; poignant

Origin: ME shrille, akin to LowG schrell, Ger schrill: echoic, prob. akin to shriek

adverb

Rare in a shrill manner

intransitive verb

to make a shrill noise or sound

transitive verb

to utter shrilly

Related Forms:

shrilly adverb
shrillness noun

See shrill in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective shrill·er, shrill·est

High-pitched and piercing in tone or sound: the shrill wail of a siren.
Producing a sharp, high-pitched tone or sound: a shrill fife.
Sharp or keen to the senses; harshly vivid: shrill colors.

verb shrilled, shrill·ing, shrills

verb, transitive

To utter in a shrill manner; scream.

verb, intransitive

To produce a shrill cry or sound.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English shrille

Related Forms:

shrillˈness noun

shrilˈly adverb

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