Scream Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

Scream Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary × Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary scream 5 ENTRIES FOUND: scream (verb) scream (noun) screaming (adjective) head (noun) murder (noun) 1 scream /ˈskriːm/ verb screams; screamed; screaming 1 scream /ˈskriːm/ verb screams; screamed; screaming Britannica Dictionary definition of SCREAM 1  a  [no object] : to suddenly cry out in a loud and high voice because of pain, surprise, etc. She screamed when the door suddenly slammed shut. This is so irritating I could scream. The crowd screamed with excitement. He was dragged, kicking and screaming, from the room. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b  : to say (something) in a loud and high voice because you are angry, afraid, etc. [no object] He screamed at/for her to stop. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples [+ object] “Help!” he screamed. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — often + out The general screamed out orders. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples c  [no object] : to make a very loud, high sound Sirens were screaming in the distance. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  always followed by an adverb or preposition, [no object] : to move very quickly through a place while making a lot of noise Police cars screamed down the street. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 3  [no object] : to speak, write, or express something in a way that shows intense or uncontrolled emotion Newspaper headlines screamed about the spike in crime. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4  [+ object] : to bring (an idea, word, etc.) into your mind very clearly The amount she paid in taxes was so low that it practically screamed “fraud.” [=it very strongly suggested that she had committed fraud] That big white dress screams “Marry me.” [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples scream bloody murder (US) informal or British scream blue murder : to scream, yell, or complain in a very loud or angry way His political opponents screamed bloody murder when he was appointed to office. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples scream for [phrasal verb] 1  scream for (something) informal : to demand or need (something) People are screaming for news about the virus. These policies just scream (out) for reform. [=these policies very badly need to be reformed] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  : to be very suitable or appropriate for (something) Hot summer days like this just scream for ice cream and visits to the pool. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 scream /ˈskriːm/ noun plural screams 2 scream /ˈskriːm/ noun plural screams Britannica Dictionary definition of SCREAM 1  [count] : a loud and high cry or sound She let out a piercing scream. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — often + of screams of terror the screams of the fire trucks as they raced by [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2  [singular] informal + old-fashioned : a person or thing that is very funny She's an absolute scream. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer » QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY panorama : a full and wide view of something Learn More » About Us & Legal Info Contact Us Privacy Notice Terms of Use Pronunciation Symbols Help d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"> © 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.