Scared

Definition

The term "scared" describes a feeling of fear, anxiety, or being frightened by something perceived as threatening or intimidating.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /skɛrd/
• Respelling: skaird

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /skɛəd/
• Respelling: skaird

Etymology

The word "scared" comes from the Middle English "scar," which means to frighten, and is related to Old Norse "skirra," meaning "to shun" or "to avoid." It evolved to describe an emotional state of fear or alarm.

Derivatives

• Scare (noun, verb)
• Scaring (verb)
• Unscared (adjective)
• Scareful (adjective, rare)
• Scaredy (noun, informal)

Synonyms

• Frightened
• Afraid
• Terrified

Antonyms

• Calm
• Brave
• Confident

Usage

The term "scared" is commonly used to describe emotional reactions to threatening or unexpected situations. For example, "She felt scared when the lights suddenly went out."

Related Terms

• Fear: An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something is dangerous.
• Alarm: A sudden sense of fear or anxiety.
• Apprehension: Anxiety or fear that something bad will happen.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Feeling fear or anxiety: Refers to the emotional state of being frightened.
  • Example: "He was scared to walk through the dark forest."
• Affected by fear due to a specific cause: Describes being alarmed by a particular event or situation.
  • Example: "The loud noise left her scared and shaking."