1 scream
Pronounced:
/ˈskri:m/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
screams; screamed; scream·ingMeaning:
1 a [no obj] : 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. b : to say (something) in a loud and high voice because you are angry, afraid, etc. [no obj] ▪ He screamed at/for her to stop. [+ obj] ▪ “Help!” he screamed. —often + out ▪ The general screamed out orders. c [no obj] : to make a very loud, high sound ▪ Sirens were screaming in the distance.
2 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move very quickly through a place while making a lot of noise ▪ Police cars screamed down the street.
3 [no obj] : to speak, write, or express something in a way that shows intense or uncontrolled emotion ▪ Newspaper headlines screamed about the spike in crime.
4 [+ obj] : 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.”
2 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move very quickly through a place while making a lot of noise ▪ Police cars screamed down the street.
3 [no obj] : to speak, write, or express something in a way that shows intense or uncontrolled emotion ▪ Newspaper headlines screamed about the spike in crime.
4 [+ obj] : 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.”
scream bloody murder (US) or Brit scream blue murder
informal : to scream, yell, or complain in a very loud or angry way ▪ His political opponents screamed bloody murder when he was appointed to office.
scream for [phrasal verb]
scream for (something) informal 1 : 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]
2 : to be very suitable or appropriate for (something) ▪ Hot summer days like this just scream for ice cream and visits to the pool.
2 : to be very suitable or appropriate for (something) ▪ Hot summer days like this just scream for ice cream and visits to the pool.