Scared: Meaning, Usage, and Examples

Meaning 1：afraid (Scared)

Scared 🔊

/skɛrd/

adj

Feeling afraid or nervous, often because something is frightening or surprising.

Scared child hiding behind parent during fireworks

afraid 🔊

➕

/əˈfreɪd/

adj

Feeling fear or anxiety, typically as a result of a perceived threat or danger.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'scare' + '-ed', with origin in Old Norse 'skirra' (to frighten).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'scare' crow in a field – it is always scared of being moved or touched.

📖 Example

My little sister is scared of thunder and always runs to hug our mom during a storm. 🔊 My little sister is scared of thunder and always runs to hug our mom during a storm.

🔗 Collocations

scared of – afraid of something or someone

scared to death – extremely frightened

scared stiff – so frightened that one cannot move

🔄 Synonyms

frightened (adj) – Feeling fear, often suddenly or strongly.

terrified (adj) – Extremely frightened, filled with terror.

afraid (adj) – Feeling fear or worry about something.

🚫 Antonyms

brave (adj) – Showing courage and willingness to face danger.

fearless (adj) – Not afraid; bold and confident.

courageous (adj) – Having the ability to face difficulty or danger without fear.

🌱 Derivatives

scare (v) – to cause someone to feel fear

scary (adj) – causing fear or fright

scaredy (n) – informal for a person who is easily frightened

📖 Cultural Story

The verb 'scare' comes from Old Norse 'skirra' (to frighten). 'Scared' as an adjective appeared in Middle English, often describing a sudden, fearful reaction to danger.