creak

American  

[kreek] / krik /

verb (used without object)

1. to make a sharp, harsh, grating, or squeaking sound.

2. to move with creaking.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to creak.

noun

1. a creaking sound.

creak British  

/ kriːk /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a harsh squeaking sound

2. (intr) to make such sounds while moving

   the old car creaked along

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noun

1. a harsh squeaking sound

Other Word Forms

• creakily adverb
• creakiness noun
• creakingly adverb
• creaky adjective

Etymology

Origin of creak

1275–1325; Middle English creken to croak, apparently back formation from Old English crǣcettan, variant of crācettan to croak

Example Sentences

The S&P 500 is down about 5% from a recent late-October high, creaking under anxiety about whether massive investments in artificial intelligence will pay off for the economy.

From The Wall Street Journal

A few scenes creak like the Tin Man’s joints, however.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nothing was working, the defence was creaking, and the next score felt inevitable.

From BBC

While Galushchenko denies any wrongdoing, the scandal has sparked anger as Ukraine's electricity grid is creaking under a barrage of attacks from Russia as the country heads into winter.

From Barron's

But though solidly directed by Elliott Nugent, it creaks under the weight of Hope’s overbearing presence, despite the fresh appeal of the underrated, and these days virtually forgotten, Goddard.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• groan
• screech
• squeak