a joke that seems extremely funny
"The comedian told such an absurd story that he had to scream at his own joke because it was so hilarious."
A loud, emphatic, exclamation of extreme emotion, especially horror, fear, excitement, or anger; it may comprise a word or a sustained, high-pitched vowel sound.
"The crowd let out a collective scream when the roller coaster suddenly plummeted off the track."
In plain English: A scream is an extremely loud and high-pitched sound made when someone feels extreme fear, pain, or excitement.
"The loud scream from upstairs scared everyone in the house."
Usage: Use "scream" as a noun to describe the actual sound produced during moments of intense fear, excitement, or anger rather than referring to the act itself. This distinguishes it from similar terms like "shriek," which often implies a higher pitch and is more commonly associated with pain or terror.
To cry out with a shrill voice; to utter a sudden, shout outcry, or shrill, loud cry, as in fright or extreme pain; to screech, to shriek.
"The child screamed when the loud thunder crashed overhead."
In plain English: To scream is to make a very loud, high-pitched noise with your voice because you are scared, excited, or angry.
"She screamed when she saw the spider on her bed."
The word "scream" comes from Middle English and is related to words in several other languages that mean either to yell loudly or to frighten someone. While the core idea of making a loud noise has remained consistent, its origins are tied closely with meanings involving terror across Germanic dialects.