- squeal
- squeal c.1300, probably of imitative origin, similar to O.N. skvala "to cry out" (see SQUALL (Cf. squall) (v.)). The sense of "inform on another" is first recorded 1865. The noun is attested from 1747.
Etymology dictionary. 2014.
squeal
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squeal — ► NOUN ▪ a long, high pitched cry or noise. ► VERB 1) make a squeal. 2) say something in a high pitched, excited tone. 3) complain. 4) (often squeal on) informal inform on someone. DERIVATIVES … English terms dictionary
Squeal — (skw[=e]l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Squealed} (skw[=e]ld); p. pr. & vb. n. {Squealing}.] [Of Scand. origin; cf. Sw. sqv[ a]la, Norw. skvella. Cf. {Squeak}, {Squall}.] 1. To cry with a sharp, shrill, prolonged sound, as certain animals do, indicating … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Squeal — Squeal, n. A shrill, sharp, somewhat prolonged cry. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
squeal — vb *shout, yell, shriek, scream, screech, holler, whoop Analogous words: *cry, wail squeal n shout, yell, shriek, scream, screech, holler, whoop (see under SHOUT vb) … New Dictionary of Synonyms
squeal — squeal·er; squeal; … English syllables
squeal — [n/v1] yell in a loud and high pitched manner bleat, cheep, creak, grate, howl, peep, rasp, scream, scream bloody murder*, screech, shout, shriek, shrill, squawk, wail, yelp, yip, yowl; concepts 64,77 squeal [v2] inform on betray, blab*, complain … New thesaurus
squeal — [skwēl] vi. [ME squelen, prob. akin to ON skvala, to cry out, yell < IE * (s)kwel , var. of base * kel > L calare, to cry out, clamor, a cry] 1. to utter or make a long, shrill cry or sound 2. Slang to act as an informer; betray a secret:… … English World dictionary
squeal — index divulge Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
squeal|er — «SKWEE luhr», noun. 1. a person or thing that squeals. 2. the young of the grouse, partridge, quail, or pigeon. 3. a young pig. 4. Slang. an informer … Useful english dictionary
squeal — {{Roman}}I.{{/Roman}} noun ADJECTIVE ▪ little ▪ high pitched VERB + SQUEAL ▪ give, let out ▪ She gave a little squeal of delight … Collocations dictionary
