squawk

[ skwawk ]
/ skwɔk /

verb (used without object)

to utter a loud, harsh cry, as a duck or other fowl when frightened.
Informal. to complain loudly and vehemently.

verb (used with object)

to utter or give forth with a squawk.

noun

a loud, harsh cry or sound.
Informal. a loud, vehement complaint.
the black-crowned night heron. See under night heron.

Origin of squawk

1815–25; blend of squall2 and hawk3

SYNONYMS FOR squawk

2 grumble, gripe, complain, yelp.

OTHER WORDS FROM squawk

squawk·er, noun

Words nearby squawk

squaw, squaw huckleberry, squaw man, squawbush, squawfish, squawk, squawk box, squawky, squawroot, squeak, squeak by

Words related to squawked

screech, cackle, hoot, yap, squeal, crow, cry, yelp, yawp, caw, protest, bellyache, complain, yammer

British Dictionary definitions for squawked

squawk
/ (skwɔːk) /

noun

a loud raucous cry; screech
informal a loud complaint or protest

verb

to utter a squawk or with a squawk
(intr) informal to complain loudly

Derived forms of squawk

squawker, noun

Word Origin for squawk

C19: of imitative origin