Scared Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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scared
[skɛərd ]
Definitions
feeling fear or anxiety
Feeling scared is a natural human response to danger or threat. It can manifest as a physical sensation, such as a racing heart or sweaty palms, or as a psychological response, such as feeling anxious or on edge.
Synonyms
afraid, frightened, terrified.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scared |
Typically used in everyday, informal situations to express mild to moderate fear.
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| afraid |
Used in more formal contexts than 'scared' and can indicate a range of fear from mild to intense.
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| frightened |
Often used to describe a sudden feeling of fear and is slightly more intense than 'scared'.
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| terrified |
Used to describe very intense fear, often in extreme or dangerous situations.
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Examples of usage
- I was scared when I heard a noise in the dark.
- She was scared to walk home alone at night.
lacking courage or confidence
Being scared can also refer to lacking courage or confidence in a particular situation. It can mean feeling timid or hesitant to take action.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| scared |
Used to describe a strong feeling of fear or being frightened, often in response to a specific, clear danger or threat.
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| timid |
Describes someone who is shy or lacking in self-confidence. This term often carries a negative connotation of weakness or fearfulness.
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| nervous |
Used to describe a feeling of being edgy or uneasy, often in relation to social interactions or important events. It can imply a milder form of fear compared to 'scared'.
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| apprehensive |
Used to describe a feeling of anxiety or worry, especially about something that may happen in the future, often involving uncertainty.
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Examples of usage
- He was too scared to ask her out on a date.
- Don't be scared to speak up for yourself.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'scared'
The word 'scared' originated from the Middle English word 'skerren', which means 'to frighten'. Over time, it evolved to its current usage to describe the feeling of fear or anxiety. The concept of being scared has been a fundamental part of human experience, as it helps individuals recognize and respond to potential threats in their environment.