screeching

[ skree-ching ]

adjective

1. causing or uttering screeches:

   screeching bats.

2. characteristic of screeches; harshly shrill:

   a screeching tone.

noun

1. the act or sound of a person or thing that screeches.

Other Words From

• screeching·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of screeching¹

First recorded in 1610–20; screech + -ing ², -ing ¹

Example Sentences

The models revealed a unique internal construction of two opposing sound chambers that create physical air turbulence as the source of the screeching sound.

From Science Daily

On Monday afternoon, however, the adrenaline thrill came to a screeching halt when the Sol Spin stopped mid-motion, leaving riders suspended at multiple different angles.

From Los Angeles Times

“A black car came speeding really, really fast ... screeching and then lost control, swerved over and slammed into a bunch of people,” one witness told KTLA.

From Los Angeles Times

I don't know about y'all, but after the majority of men voted to put a screeching sexual predator back into office, I'm feeling like it's time to wind down this era of hand-holding and hair-stroking.

From Salon

When a farm, an orchard, a ranch, or any other agricultural operation is damaged in a disaster, it often leads to a drop in production, or even brings it to a screeching halt.

From Salon