SCREAK, verb intransitive [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.] SCREAK, noun A creaking; a screech.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI