Shrill

Shrill describes a high-pitched, piercing, and often unpleasant sound or voice. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that is intensely critical, strident, or insistent. The sound typically cuts through other noises and can be jarring or irritating. It frequently evokes a sense of sharp intensity or agitation, conveying a feeling of unease. The context is crucial in understanding the connotation; a Shrill whistle might signal danger, while a Shrill tone in a debate might demonstrate disapproval. Whether in sound or character, 'shrill' suggests an intensity that can command attention, yet can often be unpleasant or unwelcome. The word implies a specific quality of sharpness that sets it apart.

Shrill meaning with examples

• The rusty gate screeched open with a Shrill, metallic groan, echoing through the deserted street and sending a shiver down my spine. It was a sound I dreaded, always marking the end of the quiet day and a signal for an approaching thunderstorm. The Shrill noise had a way of amplifying the sudden silence that would follow.
• The child's Shrill scream pierced through the cacophony of the playground, immediately silencing the other children as the adults all focused on where the crying came from. It was a sharp cry of alarm, signaling a scraped knee to the mother's ears. This Shrill outburst marked a moment of immediate distress and need.
• The referee's Shrill whistle blew at the end of the game, signaling the end of the exciting game. The sound was met with mixed reactions, depending on which team a person supported. The sharp sound made the sudden end of the game, a sharp interruption to the heated play, a clear indication of time's conclusion.
• Her Shrill voice, filled with righteous indignation, cut through the arguments as she passionately argued for the rights of the less fortunate. Her message was clear, and it made people pay attention. The high-pitched edge conveyed the fervor of her convictions and left an indelible mark on everyone present.
• The Shrill alarm blared relentlessly, jolting the sleepy residents out of their beds, forcing them to rush from the building. A high-pitched, piercing warning about the impending danger. A Shrill cry in this scenario was a call for urgent action, compelling immediate responses, a warning.