squeak

views updated

squeak / skwēk/ • n. a short, high-pitched sound or cry: the door opened with a slight squeak. ∎  a single remark, statement, or communication: I didn't hear a squeak from him for months.• v. [intr.] 1. make a high-pitched sound or cry: he oiled the hinges to stop them from squeaking. ∎  [with direct speech] say something in a nervous or excited high-pitched tone: “You're scaring me,” she squeaked. ∎ inf. inform on someone.2. inf. succeed in achieving something by a very narrow margin: the bill squeaked through with just six votes to spare. ∎  (squeak by) make or have just enough money for basic necessities: she was squeaking by on her minimum-wage job.

More From encyclopedia.com