Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCREAM, v.i. [Sax. reomian, hræman or hreman; W. ysgarmu, to set up a scream or shout. It appears from the Welsh that this is also the English skirmish, Sp. escaramuzar, which in D. is schermutselen, from scherm, a fence or skreen; schermen, to fence. The primary sense is to thrust, drive or force out or away, to separate. See Class Rm, No. 11.]

1. To cry out with a shrill voice; to utter a sudden, sharp outcry, as in a fright or in extreme pain; to shriek. The fearful matrons raise a screaming cry. Dryden.
2. To utter a shrill harsh cry; as, the screaming owl.