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scream for

B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To shout loudly because you need something, or to need something so badly it is obvious to everyone.

Literal meaning: To scream (shout very loudly) for (requesting) something or someone.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To shout loudly and urgently in order to summon someone or request something.

"The injured hiker screamed for help until someone finally heard her from the trail below."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To obviously and urgently need something — used metaphorically about situations, places, or things.

"This kitchen is screaming for a renovation — the fixtures haven't been updated in thirty years."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To demand something loudly and emotionally, out of panic, anger, or distress.

"The crowd screamed for justice outside the courthouse after the verdict was announced."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used both literally (a child screaming for attention) and metaphorically (a situation that screams for a solution). The metaphorical sense is very expressive and common in journalism and commentary.

Commonly used with

help attention mercy justice blood change

Forms

Base
scream for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
screams for
he/she/it
Past simple
screamed for
yesterday
Past participle
screamed for
have + pp
-ing form
screaming for
continuous

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Synonyms

cry out for call for beg for demand plead for clamour for

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