the.com/shrill

A sound so high and sharp it files itself a noise complaint.

means Piercingly high-pitched and harsh, whether describing a sound, a voice, or a tone of argument.

from From Middle English shrille, kin to Low German schrell, all imitating the sharp cutting cry the word names.

Acoustic truthStrong high-frequency energy, the range ears find hardest to ignore.
Loaded usageOften hurled at women's voices as a silencing insult.
Bird senseOnce neutrally described piping calls of birds and pipes.
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