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scream

When used as a verb, "scream" usually describes an involuntary reaction to strong emotion (like fear) or a necessity to be heard over loud noise. As a noun, the meaning "a person who is a scream" is informal and slightly dated slang. It means someone is very funny, similar to calling them "a riot." Be careful not to confuse "scream" with "shout." While both are loud, a scream is typically higher in pitch and more piercing.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Mars outpost common room, during a scheduled communications window.
Commander Tom

The silence of this red wasteland makes me want to scream.

Commander Tom
Lt. Vega
Lt. Vega

Cut it out. Just get your gear sorted for the EVA.

💡
Commander Tom uses 'scream' as a verb to express his melodramatic emotional distress, while Lt. Vega uses the phrasal verb 'cut it out' (meaning stop doing something annoying) to shut down his drama in favor of mission protocol.

Meanings

verb (intransitive)

To utter a loud, piercing cry or sound, typically expressing extreme emotion such as fear, pain, or excitement.

"The children began to scream with joy when they saw the presents."

verb (transitive)

To shout something loudly and forcefully.

"She had to scream the instructions over the noise of the engine."

noun

A long, loud, piercing cry.

"A sudden scream echoed through the silent hallway."

noun

A person or thing that is extremely funny or ridiculous.

"You have to meet my cousin; he is an absolute scream!"

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error