Definition of shrill

The word "shrill" originated from the Old English word "hryge", which meant "skin, hide, or hide-covered vessel". This word evolved over time, with its Old English derivative "hryggian" meaning "to cry out loudly with a raw or hoarse voice". The Middle English version of the word, "shril", later appeared in the 14th century, and it meant "loud and piercing in sound, especially a woman's voice". This definition was influenced by the feminine connotations of loudness and voice pitch during the Middle Ages. The word "shrill" has undergone some changes in meaning over time. In the 15th century, it started to refer to any loud and screeching sound, not just a woman's voice. By the 16th century, it took on its current meaning of "loud and high-pitched in sound, especially a woman's voice that is considered unpleasantly loud or sharp". In summary, the origin of the word "shrill" can be traced back to its Old English roots, with its meaning evolving over time to describe loud, high-pitched sounds, particularly when applied to a woman's voice.