creak

Everyday

1. To creak is to make a long, high, squeaking sound, like an old door, a wooden floor or stairs when they move or are walked on. tree →
2. A creak is that sound. tree →
3. To creak can mean to work badly because of being old or weak: «The old system is creaking». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, especially spooky ones, creaking doors and floorboards build suspense; it is a good onomatopoeia for creative writing. In science lessons on sound, a creak happens when two surfaces rub and vibrate. In everyday life, oiling hinges stops them creaking. Phrases: «creaky door», «creak open», «creaking floorboards».

Examples

• The old door creaked open. tree →
• I heard a creak on the stairs. tree →
• The floorboards creaked as I tiptoed past. tree →
• Dad oiled the gate so it would stop creaking. tree →
• The ship's timbers creaked in the storm. tree →
• In the dark, every creak made me jump. tree →
• Whenever the wind blew the Birch-tree creaked. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Sounds exactly like «creek» (a small stream) — a homophone trap. Adjective: creaky (a creaky door). «Creak» is a long squeak; «crack» is a sudden sharp sound.

In Jewish tradition

Amos says God will make the ground creak under Israel like a cart heavy with grain.

Interpretation. Read as a warning of judgment: God's weight will press on a people who ignore justice.

Examples

• Behold, I will make it creak under you, as a cart creaketh that is full of sheaves. (Prophets AMO.2.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb. Sounds exactly like «creek» (a small stream) — a homophone trap. Adjective: creaky (a creaky door). «Creak» is a long squeak; «crack» is a sudden sharp sound.