A2adjective1K

Scared

UK /["/skeəd/"]/US /["/skerd/"]/

Definition

frightened of something or afraid that something bad might happen

In simple words: feeling afraid or frightened

Examples

  • She was scared of the dark and refused to go into the basement.
  • The loud noise made him feel scared and anxious.
  • The scary movie left the audience feeling scared and gripping their seats.
  • When he saw the spider, he got so scared that he jumped back.
  • The children were scared on Halloween night with all the ghosts and goblins around.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. More common in everyday conversation. Avoid using in very serious discussions where more formal terms like 'concerned' might be appropriate.

Grammar pattern

scared + of/about + object

Memory hint

Imagine being scared by a large shadow creeping up on you.

Collocations

  • be
  • be running
  • feel
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • about
  • at
  • of
  • scared out of your wits
  • scared stiff
  • scared to death

Synonyms

  • frightened
  • afraid
  • terrified
  • worried

Antonyms

  • calm
  • unafraid
  • confident

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'scared' with 'scare' — 'scare' is the verb.
  • Using 'scared' without a preposition, like 'scared of the dark.'
  • Saying 'I am scary' instead of 'I am scared.'