squeal

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to make a high-pitched, loud sound, often due to excitement or fear

   The child squealed with delight when she saw the puppy.

2. 2
   verb

   to inform on someone, typically to authorities, often betraying a trust

   He squealed to the police about the robbery plan.

Of imitative origin, recorded in Middle English squelen ('to cry out; to make a high-pitched sound') into Early Modern English squeal ('to make a shrill cry').

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