1 B2 informal
To shout something in a high-pitched, harsh voice, especially out of anger, fear, or excitement.
"She screeched out his name across the car park when she saw him walking away."
separable
screech out
B2 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To say or emit something in a loud, high-pitched, or harsh voice.
In plain English
To say something in a very loud and high-pitched, often painful-sounding voice.
What does "screech out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
Of a vehicle, to make a harsh high-pitched noise as it brakes or stops suddenly.
"The taxi screeched out a sharp warning as it braked hard at the pedestrian crossing."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To screech (make a harsh, high-pitched sound) something out (projecting it outward).
Actually means
To say something in a very loud and high-pitched, often painful-sounding voice.
Usage tip
Can describe a person yelling in a high-pitched voice or a sound such as brakes or tyres making a harsh noise. The human speech sense often implies anger, fear, or excitement.
Words that pair with "screech out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
orders name warning insults tyres brakes
How to conjugate "screech out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
screech out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
screeches out
he/she/it
Past simple
screeched out
yesterday
Past participle
screeched out
have + pp
-ing form
screeching out
continuous
Hear "screech out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "screech out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "screech out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.