squawk

American  

[skwawk] / skwɔk /

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

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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 British  

/ skwɔːk /

noun

1. a loud raucous cry; screech

2. informal a loud complaint or protest

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verb

1. to utter a squawk or with a squawk

2. informal (intr) to complain loudly

Other Word Forms

• squawker noun

Etymology

Origin of squawk

1815–25; blend of squall ² and hawk ³

Example Sentences

Their squawking carried through Deadwood, across the busy road, and into the forest beyond, causing scampering critters and lumbering mammals to rise to their hind legs.

From Literature

Who can blame the infant, even one so tender and mild, for squawking during his circumcision?

From The Wall Street Journal

The jay gave a squawk and flew away.

From Literature

When Roman blurts out that Logan’s gone, handing Shiv the phone, her tearful squawk is heartrending.

From Salon

Across the river on a sand bar, a big blue crane let out a loud squawk.

From Literature

Related Words

• cackle
• hoot
• screech
• yap