Squeal
/skwiːl/noun
To make a sharp, high-pitched cry or scream, or to betray someone by divulging information.
Did you know?The betrayal sense of *squeal* is relatively modern, but the word’s sound-symbolic roots are older, tied to the idea of a shrill, sudden cry that feels almost involuntary.
Etymological Timeline
Early 17th Century
English
squeal
“A sharp, shrill cry or scream.”
Late 17th Century
English
squeal
“To emit a shrill cry.”
19th Century
English
squeal
“To inform against someone; to betray by talking.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*skwail-
“A likely expressive sound-form connected with shrill crying (reconstructed, not directly attested).”
Modern English
English
squeal
“To make or cause a high-pitched cry; inform on someone, especially under pressure.”