squeal

Everyday

1. To make a long, high, loud sound, like a pig or an excited child. tree →
2. A long, high sound like that, from a person, animal, or brakes or tyres. tree →
3. (slang) To tell secrets to the police or to someone in charge about what others did; to tell on someone. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «squeal» shows delight, fright or pain: children squeal with laughter, pigs squeal, tyres squeal when a car brakes hard. In crime stories and slang «to squeal» means to inform on someone. Phrases: «squeal with delight», «squeal of brakes», «squeal on someone».

Examples

• The children squealed with delight when they saw the puppies. tree →
• The pig gave a loud squeal. tree →
• The tyres squealed as the car stopped suddenly. tree →
• She let out a squeal when the cold water hit her. tree →
• My little sister squeals every time she goes on the swing. tree →
• (slang) He promised he wouldn't squeal on his friends. tree →
• We heard the squeal of the brakes on the bus. tree →
• The guinea pigs squeal when they hear the fridge open. tree →
• "Oh! let him go," squealed all the company. tree →

Note

Regular verb: squealed, squealing. A squeal is higher and longer than a «squeak». The slang sense («squeal on someone», like «grass» in the UK or «dob in» in Australia) is informal and often shows disapproval.