scare

²scare

noun

Definition of SCARE

1

: a sudden fright

2

: a widespread state of alarm : panic

— scare adjective

Examples of SCARE

1. There have been scares about the water supply being contaminated.
2. <fired over their heads in order to throw a scare into them>

First Known Use of SCARE

circa 1548

Related to SCARE

Synonyms: alarm (also alarum), anxiety, dread, fearfulness, fright, horror, panic, fear, terror, trepidation

Related Words: phobia; creeps, jitters, nervousness, willies; pang, qualm, twinge; agitation, apprehension, consternation, discomposure, disquiet, funk, perturbation; concern, dismay, worry; cowardice, faintheartedness, timidity, timorousness

Near Antonyms: aplomb, assurance, boldness, confidence, self-assurance, self-confidence; bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, fortitude, gallantry, hardihood, intrepidity, intrepidness, stoutness, valor; audacity, guts, nerve

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