shrieked

Shrieked is the past tense form of the verb "shriek." A shriek is a loud, high-pitched cry, often caused by sudden fear, pain, or excitement. When someone shrieked, they emitted this sound. The word "shriek" can also be used as a noun to refer to the cry itself.

The sound of a shriek is typically piercing and can be heard from a considerable distance. It is an involuntary vocalization that signals a strong emotional or physical reaction. People might shriek when startled by a loud noise, when experiencing intense pain, or in moments of extreme delight or terror. Animals, such as birds or small mammals, can also shriek.

The context in which the word "shrieked" is used is crucial for understanding the specific emotion being conveyed. For example, a character in a story might have shrieked in terror, or perhaps shrieked with laughter. The intensity of the sound is a defining characteristic of a shriek, distinguishing it from a gasp, a shout, or a wail, although there can be overlap in certain situations. The term is commonly found in literature and everyday language to describe a sharp, sudden vocal outburst.