Scare

Definition

Scare can function as a verb meaning to cause fear or alarm in someone, and as a noun referring to a sudden feeling of fright or alarm; it may also denote an incident likely to induce fear. Its plural form as a noun is scares.

Parts of Speech

• Verb (transitive/intransitive)
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /skɛr/
• Respelling: SKAIR

British English

• IPA: /skeə/
• Respelling: SKAIR

Etymology

Mid 16th century: from Middle English scaren ‘frighten,’ possibly from Old Norse skirra ‘to frighten,’ ultimately of uncertain origin.

Derivatives

• scared (adjective)
• scary (adjective)
• scarer (noun)
• scarecrow (noun)
• scare away/off (phrasal verb)

Synonyms

• frighten
• alarm
• terrify
• startle
• panic

Antonyms

• comfort
• reassure
• calm
• soothe
• encourage

Usage

"Loud thunder can scare small children."

"The sudden blackout gave everyone a real scare."

Related Terms

• Fear: An unpleasant emotion caused by threat or danger.
• Fright: A sudden intense feeling of fear.
• Panic: Sudden, uncontrollable fear or anxiety.
• Alarm: A signal or feeling of warning and fear.
• Terror: Extreme fear.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To cause fear or alarm in someone – to arouse fear or a feeling of apprehension in a person.
  • Example: "The haunted house scared the visitors."
• To frighten away or drive off – to cause someone or something to run away in fear.
  • Example: "The stranger’s shout scared the birds from the tree."
• Colloquial: To startle or surprise someone suddenly – to provoke a sudden shock or fright.
  • Example: "Don’t sneak up on me like that—you nearly scared me to death!"

Noun

• A sudden feeling of fear or alarm – a brief experience of fright.
  • Example: "He got quite a scare when the dog barked."
• An incident causing fear or alarm – an event that triggers a feeling of fear or panic.
  • Example: "The power outage was just a scare, not a real emergency."
• An attempt to frighten someone as a prank or warning – an act intended to startle or alarm another person.
  • Example: "The children played a scare on their friend by hiding in the closet."