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scream

v. · n.
US //ˈskɹim// UK //skɹˈiːm// scream
  1. 1 to cry out loudly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make a loud, high cry because you are hurt, scared, or excited.

    to utter a loud, sharp, piercing cry as an expression of strong emotion or physical pain.

    Example

    The children started to scream with delight when they saw the giant cake.

    Example

    Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream for help just moments before the emergency services arrived at the scene.
  2. 2 to be very obvious (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to show a quality so clearly that it is impossible to ignore.

    to be highly suggestive or indicative of a particular quality or style. Intransitive, often followed by 'of'.

    Example

    Everything about that expensive car screams 'wealth'.

    Example

    The minimalist decor and cold lighting scream corporate efficiency, leaving little room for personal expression in the workspace.
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  1. 3 a loud cry (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a loud, high sound made by a person or animal.

    a loud, piercing vocalisation, typically high in pitch.

    Example

    A sudden scream from the basement made everyone stop talking.

    Example

    The silence of the night was shattered by a piercing scream that echoed through the narrow alleyways.
  2. 4 someone or something very funny (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a person or situation that is extremely funny.

    a person, thing, or situation that is hilariously funny or entertaining.

    Example

    You should meet my cousin; she is an absolute scream at parties.

    Example

    The play was a total scream from start to finish, leaving the audience breathless with laughter.
  3. 5 harsh singing style (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    a style of singing in rock or metal music that sounds rough and loud.

    a vocal technique common in heavy metal and related genres involving distorted, high-intensity vocalisation.

    Example

    The lead singer's powerful scream is the highlight of their new album.

    Example

    The transition from melodic verses to a guttural scream is a hallmark of the band's experimental sound.
Origin

Inherited from Middle English scremen, borrowed from or cognate to Middle Dutch scremen (“to yell; shout”) and Old Norse skræma (“to terrify; scare”); compare West Flemish schreemen, Zealandic schreême (“to shout; yell; cry”), Swedish skrämma (“to spook; frighten”), Danish skræmme (“to scare”), West Frisian skrieme (“to weep”). Compare also Swedish skräna (“to yell; shout; howl”), Dutch schreien (“to cry; weep”), German schreien (“to scream”). Related to shriek, skrike.

Idioms3 entries

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