Scare: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in everyday situations when someone causes you to feel sudden fear or shock, often in a mild or playful manner.

• The sudden noise scared me
• He scared his friend by jumping out from behind the door

Used to describe causing someone to feel strong fear or dread, and it can be more intense than 'scare'. Often refers to situational fear.

• The loud thunder frightened the little children
• The idea of speaking in public frightens her

Used for situations that cause extreme fear or terror, and has a much stronger connotation than 'scare' or 'frighten'. It often implies a more prolonged and intense fear.

• The horror movie terrified the audience
• The thought of skydiving terrifies him

Refers to causing someone to feel a sense of urgent concern or worry, usually regarding a potential danger or a serious situation.

• The news of the approaching storm alarmed the residents
• Don't alarm your parents by being late without calling

Involves causing someone to feel sudden surprise or shock, without necessarily implying fear. It often refers to unexpected stimuli.

• The cat startled me when it jumped out from under the bed
• She was startled by the sudden loud noise

Scare is often used for brief and sudden feelings of fear. It can be used in a playful manner or to describe a minor fright.

• The loud noise gave me a scare
• She likes to scare her friends by hiding and jumping out

Fear is a general term for an intense feeling of anxiety or worry caused by the presence or anticipation of danger. It encompasses a wide range of situations and intensities.

• He has a fear of heights
• Her fear of public speaking prevented her from taking the job

Panic refers to a sudden, overwhelming sense of fear that often results in irrational behavior. It is typically more intense and immediate than other forms of fear.

• The fire alarm caused widespread panic
• When she couldn't find her child, she started to panic

Dread describes a deep, enduring sense of fear or apprehension, typically about something that will happen in the future. It is often linked to anxiety and worry.

• I dread going to the dentist
• She felt a sense of dread as the exam day approached

Terror is an extreme form of fear, usually associated with life-threatening situations. It implies a state of extreme distress and helplessness.

• The horror movie filled her with terror
• During the robbery, the customers were frozen in terror