squeal
gb/skwˈil/ us/skwˈil/
A2
English
~ 1600
visít, csikorog, sikít, beköp, beárul, felnyom, visítás, csikorgás, sikítás
VERB
A2
1
Usage pattern:
to squeal [in/with] [emotion]
The children squealed with delight when they saw the puppies.
A gyerekek örömükben visítoztak, amikor meglátták a kiskutyákat.
She squealed in fear when the spider ran across her foot.
Félelmében felsikított, amikor a pók átfutott a lábfején.
The brakes squealed as the car came to a sudden stop.
He accidentally stepped on the dog's tail and it squealed loudly.
Learner examples
The baby squealed when she saw her toy.
A baba örömében visongott, amikor meglátta a játékát.
I heard the tires squeal on the road.
Hallottam, ahogy csikorognak a gumik az úton.
The girl squealed because she was happy.
The mouse squealed when the cat caught it.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'squeal' with 'scream'; 'squeal' is usually higher-pitched and can be shorter or more sudden.
Meaning
Make a long, high-pitched sound
Collocations
squeal with delight
|squeal in fear
|high-pitched squeal
|squeal of brakes
Synonyms
shriek (Often louder and more piercing; can sound more intense or urgent.)
Antonyms
murmur (A soft, low sound that contrasts with a high-pitched squeal.)
Themes
sounds
|emotions
|daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make a long, high sound because you are hurt, scared, or excited.
To produce a long, sharp, high-pitched cry or noise, often from excitement, fear, or pain.
VERB
B2
INFORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to squeal on [someone]
He got caught and ended up squealing on his partners in crime.
Elkapták, és végül beköpte a bűntársait.
Nobody likes a person who will squeal to the boss.
Senki sem szereti az olyat, aki beköp a főnöknél.
The gang threatened him if he ever squealed to the police.
Learner examples
He squealed on his friend to the teacher.
Beköpte a barátját a tanárnak.
She squealed to the police about the robbery.
Feldobta a rablás elkövetőit a rendőrségen.
They were afraid he would squeal on them.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'squeal' here with making a sound; in this meaning it is metaphorical for telling secrets to authorities.
Meaning
Inform authorities about wrongdoing
Collocations
squeal on a friend
|squeal to the police
Synonyms
inform (More formal; used in legal or official contexts.)
Antonyms
cover for (To protect someone by not revealing their wrongdoing.)
Themes
crime
|law
|communication
Definition
To tell the police about someone's crime or secret.
To tell the police or other authority about someone's illegal or secret activities, often betraying their trust.
NOUN
A2
3
A squeal of tires echoed through the street.
Az utcán visszhangzott a gumicsikorgás.
Her loud squeal startled everyone in the room.
Hangos visítása mindenkit megriasztott a szobában.
The pig let out a frightened squeal.
Learner examples
I heard a squeal from the kitchen.
Visítást hallottam a konyhából.
The car made a loud squeal when it stopped.
Az autó hangos csikorgással állt meg.
The baby gave a happy squeal.
Meaning
A long, high-pitched sound
Collocations
a squeal of delight
|a squeal of brakes
Synonyms
screech (Often harsher and more grating; can refer more often to mechanical sounds.)
Antonyms
hum (A low, steady sound unlike a sharp squeal.)
Themes
sounds
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A long, high sound made by a person, animal, or thing.
A long, sharp, high-pitched cry or noise.
Grammar
Dictionary form
squeal
IPA
GB/skwˈil/
US/skwˈil/
Syllables & stress
squeal (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (squeal)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: squeal
- Plural: squeals
Verb
- Base: squeal
- 3rd Person Singular: squeals
- Present Participle: squealing
- Past: squealed
Word family
Forms
squeals
noun
squealing
verb
squealed
verb
Related words
squeak
verb
squeaky
adjective
Advanced or less common
squealer
noun
Expressions
squeal of brakes
1/skwˈil əv bɹˈeɪks/
fixed phrase
High noise from vehicle brakes
A long, high sound made when vehicle brakes stop suddenly.
Examples
- The sudden squeal of brakes made everyone look up.
- I heard the squeal of brakes outside my window.
squeal on someone
1/skwˈil ˈɔn sˈʌmwˌʌn/
phrasal verb
informal
Report someone to authorities
To tell the police or other authority that someone did something wrong.
Examples
- He finally squealed on his accomplices after being arrested.
- Nobody wants to be friends with someone who will squeal on them.
squeal with delight
1/skwˈil wˈɪθ dɪlˈaɪt/
fixed phrase
Make a joyful high-pitched sound
To make a long, high sound because you are very happy or excited.
Examples
- The children squealed with delight when they saw the ice cream truck.
- The children squealed with delight when they saw the puppies.
- She squealed with delight at the surprise gift.
- She squealed with delight as the roller coaster started.
- Fans squealed with delight when the band came on stage.