scream

Scream, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Screamed; p. pr. & vb. n. Screaming.]

Etymology: [Icel. skræma to scare, terrify; akin to Sw. skräma, Dan. skræmme. Cf. Screech.]

To cry out with a shrill voice; to utter a sudden, sharp outcry, or shrill, loud cry, as in fright or extreme pain; to shriek; to screech. I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. Shak. And scream thyself as none e'er screamed before. Pope.

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Scream, n.

A sharp, shrill cry, uttered suddenly, as in terror or in pain; a shriek; a screech. "Screams of horror." Pope.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for scream; he lists it under call.

Where he writes about it:

To shout is to call or exclaim with the fullest volume of sustained voice; to scream is to utter a shriller cry; to shriek or to yell refers to that which is louder and wilder still. — from call

Synonyms

call bawl bellow clamor cry out ejaculate exclaim roar shout shriek vociferate yell

Antonyms

be silent be still hark hearken hush list listen

etymology Webster’s online