Freaked: meaning, definitions and examples

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freaked

 

[friːkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotional reaction

Freaked out is a colloquial expression that means to become very anxious, upset, or frightened, often due to unexpected circumstances. This reaction can indicate a loss of control over emotions and typically arises in stressful or shocking situations.

Synonyms

overwhelmed, panicked, stressed.

Examples of usage

  • She freaked out when she saw the spider.
  • He freaked out during the horror movie.
  • They freaked out after hearing the news.
  • I freaked out when I lost my phone.
Context #2 | Verb

surprise reaction

To freak someone out means to unexpectedly scare or alarm that person, often in a way that elicits a strong emotional response. This can be intentional or unintentional depending on the circumstances.

Synonyms

alarm, shock, startle.

Examples of usage

  • The prank really freaked her out.
  • That loud noise freaked me out.
  • Don't freak him out with your stories.
  • The sudden appearance of the ghost freaked the audience out.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'freak' originates from the 17th century, originally describing a strange or unusual occurrence.
  • In the mid-20th century, 'freak out' became popular in American slang, particularly in the context of drug culture, representing a heightened emotional state.

Pop Culture

  • The term became widely known thanks to the 1960s counterculture movement, with songs like 'Freak Out' by Frank Zappa encouraging people to embrace diversity.
  • In the 1980s, films such as 'Freaky Friday' presented the idea of identity and surprise, further embedding 'freaked' in popular language.

Psychology

  • Many people experience 'freaking out' as a response to anxiety, where their body goes into a fight-or-flight mode when faced with stressors.
  • Freak outs can also be linked to sensory overload, common in environments that are overly stimulating, leading to anxiety in many individuals.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often experience moments of being 'freaked out' to highlight their emotional turmoil or conflicts, adding depth to their personality.
  • Notable works, like Stephen King's horror novels, frequently explore extreme reactions, including characters that get 'freaked' in terrifying situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "freaked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 freaked

🇮🇳 डर गया

🇩🇪 verwirrt

🇮🇩 terkejut

🇺🇦 переляканий

🇵🇱 przerażony

🇯🇵 驚いた (odoroita)

🇫🇷 choqué

🇪🇸 asustado

🇹🇷 şaşırmış

🇰🇷 놀란 (nollan)

🇸🇦 مرعوب (mar'oub)

🇨🇿 šokovaný

🇸🇰 šokovaný

🇨🇳 震惊 (zhènjīng)

🇸🇮 presenečen

🇮🇸 hræddur

🇰🇿 қорқынышты

🇬🇪 შოკირებული (shokirebuli)

🇦🇿 şokda

🇲🇽 asustado

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,003, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.