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shrill (adj.)

late 14c., schrylle "high-pitched, piercing" (of the voice), probably related to Old English scralletan "to sound loudly" and of imitative origin (compare Low German schrell, German schrill "piercing, shrill"). Related: Shrillness; shrilly (adv.).

shrill (v.)

"to sound shrilly," c. 1300, imitative (see shrill (adj.). Related: Shrilled; shrilling.

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Definitions of shrill from WordNet
1
shrill (adj.)
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones;
a shrill whistle
a shrill gaiety
Synonyms: sharp
shrill (adj.)
being sharply insistent on being heard;
shrill criticism
Synonyms: strident
shrill (adj.)
of colors that are bright and gaudy;
a shrill turquoise
2
shrill (v.)
utter a shrill cry;
Synonyms: shriek / pipe up / pipe
From wordnet.princeton.edu