Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

screeching-halt

verb

/ˈskriːtʃɪŋ hɔlt/

Definition

An abrupt and loud stop.

Examples

The car came to a screeching halt just inches away from the pedestrian.
When he heard the loud noise, he immediately applied the brakes, bringing the train to a screeching halt.
Her plans for a quiet night ended with a screeching halt when the fireworks started.

Meaning

The term ‘screeching-halt’ describes a sudden cessation of movement accompanied by a loud noise, typically associated with something coming to a quick stop, often in a distressing or alarming manner.