shrill

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shrill /ʃr'ɪl/ (shriller shrillest)
1 [ADJ]
A shrill sound is high-pitched and unpleasant.
Shrill cries and startled oaths flew up around us as pandemonium broke out...
Mary Ann's voice grew shrill.
= piercing
● shrilly [ADV] usu ADV with v
`What are you doing?' she demanded shrilly.
● shrillness [N-UNCOUNT]
...that ugly shrillness in her voice.
2 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you describe a demand, protest, or statement as shrill, you disapprove of it and do not like the strong, forceful way it is said.
Shrill voices on both sides of the Atlantic are advocating protectionism.

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