Screech vs. Shriek — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 20, 2024
Screech refers to a high-pitched, harsh sound, often produced by objects or animals, while shriek is a loud, piercing cry typically made by a person in response to fear, pain, or excitement.
Difference Between Screech and Shriek
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Key Differences
Screech describes a high-pitched, grating sound that can be produced by both living beings and inanimate objects. Shriek, on the other hand, refers specifically to a loud, piercing cry typically made by humans. It conveys strong emotions such as fear, pain, or excitement.
While screech can be attributed to both animate and inanimate sources, shriek is generally reserved for human sounds or those that resemble human cries. This distinction helps in understanding the context and origin of the sounds being described. For example, a door might screech when it opens, but a person would shriek upon seeing a spider.
In everyday usage, both terms evoke strong auditory imagery, but they differ in their typical sources and the nature of the sounds. Screech is broader and includes mechanical or animal sounds, whereas shriek is more narrowly focused on human vocalizations.
Comparison Chart
Definition
High-pitched, harsh sound
Loud, piercing cry
Typical Source
Objects or animals
Humans
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Context
Mechanical noise, animal sounds
Emotional reactions, human vocalizations
Common Associations
Brakes, metal scraping, owl calls
Fear, pain, excitement
Emotional Tone
Generally unpleasant
Highly emotional
Compare with Definitions
Screech
A harsh, shrill cry.
The owl let out a screech in the night.
Shriek
A loud, piercing cry.
She let out a shriek when she saw the spider.
Screech
An unpleasantly loud noise.
The microphone screeched, causing everyone to cover their ears.
Shriek
To scream sharply.
The children shrieked with laughter at the clown's antics.
Screech
A high-pitched, grating sound.
The car came to a halt with a loud screech.
Shriek
A human vocalization often related to fear or excitement.
She shrieked in terror as the roller coaster plunged down.
Screech
To make a high-pitched, unpleasant sound.
The chalk screeched across the blackboard.
Shriek
A sudden, high-pitched sound.
There was a shriek from the crowd when the fireworks started.
Screech
(of a person or animal) give a loud, harsh, piercing cry
She hit her brother, causing him to screech with pain
Shriek
An expression of intense emotion.
His shriek of pain could be heard from the next room.
Screech
A loud, harsh, piercing cry
Mary tried to drown her screeches by shaking her
Shriek
Utter a high-pitched piercing sound or words, especially as an expression of terror, pain, or excitement
She was shrieking abuse at a taxi
The audience shrieked with laughter
‘There it is!’ she shrieked
Screech
A high-pitched, strident cry.
Shriek
A high-pitched piercing cry or sound; a scream
Shrieks of laughter
Screech
A sound suggestive of this cry
The screech of train brakes.
Shriek
An exclamation mark.
Screech
To utter in a screech or high-pitched voice.
Shriek
A shrill, often frantic cry.
Screech
To cry out in a high-pitched, strident voice.
Shriek
A sound suggestive of such a cry.
Screech
To make a sound suggestive of a screech
Tires screeched on the wet pavement.
Shriek
To utter a shriek.
Screech
(countable) A high-pitched strident or piercing sound, such as that between a moving object and any surface.
Shriek
To make a sound similar to a shriek.
Screech
(countable) A harsh, shrill cry, as of one in acute pain or in fright; a shriek; a scream.
Shriek
To utter with a shriek.
Screech
Newfoundland rum.
Shriek
A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.
Screech
(uncountable) A form of home-made rye whiskey made from used oak rye barrels from a distillery.
Shriek
An exclamation mark.
Screech
To make such a sound.
Shriek
(intransitive) To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish.
Screech
To travel very fast, as if making the sounds of brakes being released.
Shriek
(transitive) To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks.
Screech
To utter a harsh, shrill cry; to make a sharp outcry, as in terror or acute pain; to scream; to shriek.
Shriek
To utter a loud, sharp, shrill sound or cry, as do some birds and beasts; to scream, as in a sudden fright, in horror or anguish.
It was the owl that shrieked.
At this she shrieked aloud; the mournful trainEchoed her grief.
Screech
A harsh, shrill cry, as of one in acute pain or in fright; a shriek; a scream.
Shriek
To utter sharply and shrilly; to utter in or with a shriek or shrieks.
On top whereof aye dwelt the ghostly owl,Shrieking his baleful note.
She shrieked his nameTo the dark woods.
Screech
A high-pitched noise resembling a human cry;
He ducked at the screechings of shells
He heard the scream of the brakes
Shriek
A sharp, shrill outcry or scream; a shrill wild cry such as is caused by sudden or extreme terror, pain, or the like.
Shrieks, clamors, murmurs, fill the frighted town.
Screech
Sharp piercing cry;
Her screaming attracted the neighbors
Shriek
Sharp piercing cry;
Her screaming attracted the neighbors
Screech
Make a high-pitched, screeching noise;
The door creaked when I opened it slowly
Shriek
A high-pitched noise resembling a human cry;
He ducked at the screechings of shells
He heard the scream of the brakes
Screech
Utter a harsh abrupt scream
Shriek
Utter a shrill cry
Screech
A sound made by inanimate objects or animals.
The rusty gate screeched as it opened.
Common Curiosities
Can screech be made by humans?
Yes, humans can screech, but it often describes mechanical or animal sounds.
What does screech mean?
Screech refers to a high-pitched, harsh sound, often produced by objects or animals.
Can objects produce a shriek?
Typically, objects produce a screech rather than a shriek.
How do birds use the sound screech?
Some birds, like owls, use screeching as a form of communication.
What kind of sound does a door make when it needs oiling?
A door that needs oiling makes a screech.
Is screech used more for inanimate or animate objects?
Screech can be used for both inanimate objects and animals.
Do animals shriek?
Animals rarely shriek; they are more likely to screech or make other sounds.
How is shriek used in a sentence?
Shriek is used to describe a loud, piercing cry, e.g., "She shrieked when she saw the mouse."
Is shriek always a negative sound?
Not always; shriek can express excitement or joy as well as fear or pain.
Can a person shriek in happiness?
Yes, people can shriek in happiness or excitement.
What is the emotional tone of a shriek?
A shriek usually conveys strong emotions such as fear, pain, or excitement.
What kind of sound is made by brakes of a car?
Brakes of a car often make a screeching sound.
Can shriek be used to describe laughter?
Yes, people can shriek with laughter, indicating a very loud and high-pitched laugh.
Is shriek louder than screech?
Both can be loud, but shriek is typically used to describe a more piercing, intense sound.
What sound might you hear in a haunted house?
In a haunted house, you might hear shrieks of terror.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
