Scarer: meaning, definitions and examples
😱
scarer
[ ˈskɛərər ]
person inducing fear
A scarer is someone or something that causes fear or fright. This term is often used in contexts such as horror films, haunted houses, or spooky events, where individuals or characters are specifically designed to scare others. Scarers can be actors, costumes, or even sounds that evoke fear.
Synonyms
frightener, intimidator, terrorizer.
Examples of usage
- The scarer jumped out from behind the door.
- In the haunted house, the professional scarer surprised everyone.
- The movie featured a scarer that was truly terrifying.
Etymology
The word 'scarer' originates from the verb 'scare,' which dates back to the 15th century. The verb has roots in the Middle English 'scaren,' derived from the Old Norse 'skera' meaning 'to harm' or 'injure.' Over the centuries, the usage of 'scare' evolved to refer specifically to causing fright or fear in others. The suffix '-er' is added to denote someone who performs an action, thus forming 'scarer' to indicate a person who scares, specifically in contexts of entertainment or fear-inducing experiences. This term gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as horror genres and themed attractions became more prevalent.