Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCREAK, v.i. [Sw. skrika; Dan. skriger; W. ysgreçian, from creçian, to creak, to shriek, from creç, cryç, rough, roughness, or its root. This word is only a different orthography of screech and shriek, but is not elegant.]

To utter suddenly a sharp shrill sound or outcry; to scream; as in a sudden fright; also, to creak, as a door or wheel. [See Screech.] [When applied to things, we use creak, and when to persons, shriek, both of which are elegant.]