squeal
/skwi:l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A high-pitched, often shrill cry or sound: A "squeal" is a long, sharp, high-pitched sound, typically made by a person, animal, or object.
- A loud, sharp protest or complaint: Informally, a "squeal" can refer to a vehement complaint or protest.
Verb:
- To utter a high-pitched, shrill cry or sound: To make a long, sharp, high-pitched noise.
- To confess or inform on someone, especially under pressure: In informal or slang usage, to "squeal" means to give information, especially to the authorities, about someone's wrongdoing.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The car's tires let out a loud squeal as it turned the corner.
- He let out a squeal of delight when he saw the puppy.
Verb:
- The pig will squeal when it's hungry.
- The witness decided to squeal on the gang members to get a lighter sentence.
Advanced Usage
"to squeal with delight/joy/pain": to make a high-pitched sound because of a strong emotion.
- The children squealed with joy when they saw the ice cream truck.
"to squeal on someone": to inform authorities about someone's illegal or secret activities.
- He was afraid his partner would squeal on him to the police.
Variants and Related Words
Squealer (n): A person who informs on others; a traitor.
- He was labeled a squealer by his former associates.
Squeaky (adj): Making a high-pitched sound.
- The door has a squeaky hinge.
Synonyms
- Screech: A loud, harsh, high-pitched sound.
- Shriek: A high-pitched piercing cry or sound.
- Inform: To give information, especially to authorities (for the verb meaning).
Related Phrasal Verbs / Phrases
- Squeal out: To emit a sudden, sharp squeal.
- The brakes squealed out as the bus stopped abruptly.
Related Idioms
- Squeal like a stuck pig: To scream or cry out very loudly and shrilly, often in pain or fear.
- He squealed like a stuck pig when he stubbed his toe.
Verb
- confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
- utter a high-pitched cry, characteristic of pigs