Keening

The keening screech of the brakes startled the pedestrians on the sidewalk.

The keening of the steam whistle signaled the departure of the train from the platform.

The air raid siren's keening pierced through the city, signaling imminent danger.

The traditional keening brought tears to the eyes of all those who listened, capturing the pain of loss in its rawest form.

The artist's brush moved across the canvas with a keening grace, expressing her deep longing for freedom.