Ear-splittingly

An adverb that describes something producing a very loud and intense noise, to the point of causing discomfort or even physical pain to the ears. It signifies a level of sound that is jarring and unpleasant, exceeding a normal or tolerable volume. The term emphasizes the extreme intensity and disruptive nature of the sound, indicating it is overwhelmingly loud and potentially damaging to hearing. It highlights the auditory impact and is often used to describe noises that are sudden, sharp, or continuous, making them more noticeable and irritating to the listener. Essentially, it means 'in a manner that splits or damages the ear due to excessive loudness'.

Ear-splittingly meaning with examples

• The construction site was a chaotic scene, with jackhammers battering the pavement ear-splittingly throughout the morning, making conversations impossible. The noise was constant and the workers looked like they were used to the discomfort. The residents of the nearby apartments tried to endure, closing windows and putting cotton in their ears, but still felt a wave of pain.
• The stadium erupted in ear-splittingly loud cheers when the home team scored the winning goal, a deafening roar that echoed around the arena. The sound system amplified the sound and the fans all screamed at the same time. Even the players on the field covered their ears, as the emotional release was palpable. The victory felt sweeter by all the shared experience.
• The alarm clock blared ear-splittingly at 6 am, yanking Sarah from a deep sleep and leaving her disoriented. The ringing was like a physical blow, jolting her from her dream. She slapped the snooze button, but the momentary respite was fleeting. The effect was the same: rude awakening. She hated the effect the machine had every morning.
• The fighter jet screamed ear-splittingly overhead during the air show, leaving spectators momentarily stunned by its sheer power and volume. The sound wave travelled across the crowd. Kids pointed upwards, smiling, as the aircraft soared in a blur. The display was dazzling, and it was clear that safety standards were carefully being observed.
• A sudden thunderclap crashed ear-splittingly above the campers, causing several people to gasp and duck for cover. The sudden noise caused panic in the tents. The rain began to fall and the wind increased. The storm looked like it might turn out to be a long one.