squeal

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English squelen, probably from Old Norse skvala (“to squeal, bawl”), from Proto-Germanic *skwel- (“to chatter, babble, scream”), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *skel-, from *kelh₁- (“to ring, resound, cry”). Compare Old Norse skval (“a squeal”, noun), Swedish skvallra (“to babble, chatter, tell on”).

noun

1. A high-pitched sound, such as the scream of a child or a female person, or noisy worn-down brake pads.
2. The cry of a pig.

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To scream with a shrill, prolonged sound.
   The children squealed with delight while opening their Christmas presents.
2. (of an object) To make a squealing noise.
   The brakes squeal terribly.
   We continue through suburban Newcastle along the edge of the Tyne, before squealing around the tight curves onto the magnificent High Level bridge, which affords glorious views across Newcastle and along the river before arriving at journey's end. November 30 2022, Paul Bigland, “Destination Oban: a Sunday in Scotland”, in RAIL, number 971, page 75
3. (intransitive, slang) To give sensitive information about someone to a third party; to rat on someone.
   You'd better not squeal on me to the cops.