scream

scream [skrēm]

vi.

[ME screamen, akin to Fl schreemen, to scream, Ger schrei, a cry < IE * skerei- < echoic base * (s)ker- > SHRIEK, RAVEN¹, RING¹]

1.

a) to utter a shrill, loud, piercing cry in fright, pain, etc.

b) to make or move with a shrill, piercing sound

2. to laugh loudly or hysterically

3. to have a startling effect; leave a vivid impression

4. to shout or yell in anger, hysteria, etc.

vt.

1. to utter with or as with a scream or screams

2. to bring into a specified state by screaming [to scream oneself hoarse]

n.

1.

a) a sharp, piercing cry; shriek

b) any shrill, piercing sound

2. Informal a person or thing considered hilariously funny