Screaming Meaning and Definition

Screaming

Screaming

Pronunciation

/ˈskriːmɪŋ/

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

Shouting or making a loud, high-pitched sound, often in a state of distress, excitement, or alarm.

Examples

  • The child began screaming when she saw the clown.
  • She screamed in terror as the rollercoaster started to fall.

Synonyms

  • Shouting
  • Yelling
  • Crying

Antonyms

  • Whispering
  • Muttering
  • Speaking softly

Etymology

Screaming is derived from the Middle English word “scryeman,” meaning “to utter a loud, piercing cry,” from the Old English words “scír” (sharp) and “cryan” (to cry).

Additional Information

Screaming can be a natural response to a frightening or overwhelming situation. It is often used as a means of expression and communication in times of stress or excitement. Screaming can also be used in a therapeutic context, such as scream therapy, to release pent-up emotions and tension.

In some cultures, screaming is considered a form of artistic expression, such as in the ritual screaming of indigenous cultures or in the practice of screaming as a form of sound healing.

Usage Notes

The word screaming is often used in conjunction with other words to convey a sense of intensity or urgency. For example, “screamingly loud” or “screaming at the top of one’s lungs.” It can also be used to describe a sound or noise that is particularly piercing or ear-piercing.

Cultural References

There are many cultural references to screaming, including horror movies where the main character screams in terror, and music genres that involve screaming, such as screamo and post-hardcore.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Screaming blue murder

  • About to scream

  • On the verge of screaming

  • Ready to scream

Related Words or Phrases

Shrieking, wailing, bellowing, yelling, crying

Collocations

Screaming at the top of one’s lungs / scream loudly / scream in terror

Frequency of Use

The word screaming is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in informal contexts such as social media and spoken conversation.

Common Misspellings

Screeming, screamming, screammingly, screemingly

Related Words