B2verb1K

Scream

UK /["/skriːm/","/skriːmz/","/skriːmd/","/ˈskriːmɪŋ/"]/US /["/skriːm/","/skriːmz/","/skriːmd/","/ˈskriːmɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give a loud, high shout, because you are hurt, frightened, excited, etc.

In simple words: A loud noise made when someone is very scared or angry.

Examples

  • She decided to scream at the top of her lungs to express her frustration.
  • The child began to scream when he couldn't find his mother in the store.
  • The horror movie made me scream several times throughout the film.
  • He heard a loud scream coming from the dark woods.
  • When the roller coaster reached the top, everyone began to scream with excitement.
  • The painting seemed to scream at me with its vivid colors and chaotic lines.
  • Her poems always scream passion and emotion.
  • In his anguish, he wanted to scream but no sound came out.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, from expressing fear to excitement. In formal situations, it may be considered too emotive. Suitable for informal conversations, but avoid in professional settings.

Grammar pattern

scream + object

Memory hint

Sounds like ' scream' - imagine someone seeing a spider and letting out a loud scream.

Collocations

  • aloud
  • loudly
  • silently
  • want to
  • try to
  • begin to
  • after
  • at
  • for
  • begin screaming
  • start screaming
  • scream your head off
  • aloud
  • loudly
  • silently
  • want to
  • try to
  • begin to
  • after
  • at
  • for
  • begin screaming
  • start screaming
  • scream your head off

Synonyms

  • shout
  • yell
  • cry out
  • call
  • holler

Antonyms

  • whisper
  • silence

Common mistakes

  • Using 'scream' as a synonym for 'shout' when the meaning differs.
  • Confusing it with 'yell' which can imply anger.
  • Incorrectly thinking 'scream' can only refer to fear, while it can also mean excitement.