squawk

[ skwawk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a loud, harsh cry, as a duck or other fowl when frightened.
2. Informal. to complain loudly and vehemently.

   Synonyms: yelp, complain, gripe, grumble

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or give forth with a squawk.

noun

1. a loud, harsh cry or sound.
2. Informal. a loud, vehement complaint.
3. the black-crowned night heron. night heron

squawk

/ skwɔːk /

noun

1. a loud raucous cry; screech
2. informal.
   a loud complaint or protest

verb

1. to utter a squawk or with a squawk
2. informal.
   intr to complain loudly

Derived Forms

• ˈsquawker, noun

Other Words From

• squawker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squawk¹

1815–25; blend of squall ² and hawk ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of squawk¹

C19: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Not a peep from all the “originalists,” incidentally, whose squawks could be heard for miles when the Supreme Court found, in Roe v.

From Salon

It squawked in protest as he cupped it in his palm before relaxing, relenting to his gentle caress.

From Los Angeles Times

Since this show came out, now people squawk chicken noises at me in the street.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Ben Beska, 33, from Newcastle, said he saw a group of magpies squawking in his garden on Saturday and went out to investigate when he spotted the fish lying in the grass.

From BBC

Birds of every jungle from the Yangtse to the Ganges squawked as the camels swayed.

From Literature

Related Words

• cackle
• hoot
• screech
• yap