Shriek — Defs

01 v. i. To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish.

imp. & p. p. Shrieked; p. pr. & vb. n. Shrieking

1.
To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish.
“It was the owl that shrieked.” — Shak.

“At this she shrieked aloud; the mournful train Echoed her grief.” — Dryden.

02 v. t. To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks.

1.
To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks.
“On top whereof aye dwelt the ghostly owl, Shrieking his baleful note.” — Spenser.

“She shrieked his name To the dark woods.” — Moore.

03 n. A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.

1.
A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.
“Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town.” — Dryden.

Phrases & compounds

Shriek owl — The screech owl