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Definition of scared

scared

/skɛrd/
scared
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scared Lexical Profile

scared Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Feeling fear, fright, or alarm in response to a perceived danger or threat.

Example

"The young puppy looked scared when it heard the loud thunder outside."

2

Worried, apprehensive, or anxious that something unpleasant or undesirable might happen.

Example

"She was scared to check her exam results after studying all semester."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for scared
Antonyms
View all antonyms for scared

Word Nuance & Usage

'Scared' is commonly confused by learners with 'scary'; 'scared' describes the person or animal feeling fear, whereas 'scary' describes the thing causing that fear.

• Rhymes for scared

• Nearby Words

scarcity
scare
scarecrow
scared
scaredy
scaremonger
scaremongering

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'scare', which entered Middle English as 'skeren' from the Old Norse 'skirra' (meaning to frighten or shrink from), derived from 'skjarr' ('timid' or 'shy').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scared. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scared
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