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squeal

 - 4 dictionary results

squeal

  [skweel] ,
Use squeal in a Sentence
–noun
1. a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
2. Slang.
a. an instance of informing against someone.
b. a protest or complaint; beef.
–verb (used without object)
3. to utter or emit a squeal or squealing sound.
4. Slang.
a. to turn informer; inform.
b. to protest or complain; beef.
–verb (used with object)
5. to utter or produce with a squeal.
Origin:
1250–1300; ME squelen; imit.

Related forms:
squealer, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To squeal
squeal   (skwēl)   
v.   squealed, squeal·ing, squeals

v.   intr.

  1. To give forth a loud shrill cry or sound.

  2. Slang To turn informer; betray an accomplice or secret.

v.   tr.
To utter or produce with a squeal.
n.  A loud, shrill cry or sound: a squeal of surprise; the squeal of tires.

[Middle English squelen, probably of imitative origin.]
squeal'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Slang Dictionary
squeal

  1. 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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Word Origin & History

squeal 
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.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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