Screeched

Screeched is the past tense and past participle of the verb "to screech." To screech means to utter a loud, harsh, piercing cry. This sound is often involuntary and can be caused by a variety of emotions or stimuli. For example, a person might screech in pain, fear, or surprise. Similarly, animals such as cats, birds, or monkeys can screech when alarmed, threatened, or engaged in territorial disputes. The sound is characterized by its high pitch and unpleasant quality, often described as grating or shrill.

The word "screech" can also be used metaphorically to describe a harsh, grating sound produced by objects, such as the screech of brakes on a car or the screech of tires. In this context, it refers to a sudden, loud, and unpleasant noise that signals friction or distress. The act of screeching, whether by a living creature or an inanimate object, typically implies a sudden, intense release of energy or a forceful interaction. The duration of a screech is usually brief, but its loudness and piercing nature make it highly noticeable and often disturbing.