c.1300, probably of imitative origin, similar to O.N. skvala "to cry out" (see squall (v.)). The sense of "inform on another" is first recorded 1865. The noun is attested from 1747.
in. to inform (someone about something). : Who squealed to the cops?
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Example sentences
Tires squeal and skid as vehicles corner tightly at high speed around curves and dirt roads.
For years, he has lived twenty-four hours a day with a loud, grating squeal in his ears.
Occasionally a high-pitched squeal is heard amid bumps and the sound of scrabbling toenails.
For example, train wheel rumble is a low pitch sound and a squeal is a high pitch sound.
Steel train wheels make a shrill squeal, the immense weight shakes the ground for hundreds of yards away.
She has a heart-shaped face and a high-pitched squeal of a laugh.
The motor emits a delightful squeal when you stomp on it.
As they were talking they heard the belts on the forage chopper begin to squeal and noticed smoke from the belts.
They also squeal in terror when attacked by a predator.
Startled mink may squeal, hiss or snarl and then release a scent similar to a skunk.