Scary Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈskɛəri/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

A frightening or intimidating person, place, or thing.

Examples

• The haunted house was a scary place to visit.
• The scary movie kept me up all night.

Synonyms

• Frightening
• Intimidating
• Spine-chilling

Antonyms

• Safe
• Comforting
• Reassuring

Additional Information

Scary things can evoke a range of emotions, from fear to anxiety. They can also be used to describe situations or environments that are perceived as threatening or hazardous. In some cases, scary things can be used to create a sense of excitement or thrill, such as in horror movies or roller coasters.

Scary things can also be used to describe people who are perceived as intimidating or threatening, such as a scary boss or a scary stranger. In these cases, the term is often used to convey a sense of respect or caution.

It’s worth noting that what one person finds scary, another person may not. Scary things are often subjective and can vary greatly from person to person.

Etymology

The word “scary” is derived from the Old English word “scarian,” which means “to frighten” or “to terrify.” Over time, the word evolved to become the adjective we use today to describe things that are frightening or intimidating.

Usage Notes

The word “scary” is often used in informal contexts, such as in conversation or in writing. It’s commonly used to describe things that are perceived as frightening or intimidating, but it can also be used to describe situations or environments that are perceived as threatening or hazardous.

When using the word “scary,” it’s worth considering the context in which it’s being used. In formal contexts, it’s often better to use more formal language to describe frightening or intimidating things.

Cultural References

The word “scary” has been used in a variety of cultural references, including horror movies, roller coasters, and haunted houses. It’s also been used in literature and music to describe things that are frightening or intimidating.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Scary as hell” – used to describe something that is extremely frightening or intimidating.
• “Scary good” – used to describe something that is extremely enjoyable or exciting.

Related Words or Phrases

• Frightening
• Intimidating
• Spine-chilling
• Chilling

Collocations

• Scary movie
• Scary place
• Scary situation

Frequency of Use

The word “scary” is a relatively common word in modern language, particularly in informal contexts. It’s often used to describe things that are perceived as frightening or intimidating, and it’s commonly used in conversation and writing.

Common Misspellings

• Scarey
• Scaryy