Scarecrow Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈskærˌkroʊ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person or thing that frightens or drives away animals, typically by being frightening or uninviting in appearance.

Examples

• The farmer placed a scarecrow in the field to keep crows away from his crops.
• The Halloween decorations included a life-size scarecrow standing guard.
• As I walked through the empty lot, I saw a scary scarecrow standing alone.
• The children loved playing in the backyard despite the creepy scarecrow lurking in the corner.
• Scarecrows are often used as decorations for harvest festivals.
• The scarecrow on the highway was a hit with commuters.

Synonyms

• Karmadillo
• Guardian

Antonyms

• Attractor
• Magnet

Etymology

The term “scarecrow” originated in the 15th century from the Old English words “scare” meaning “to frighten” and “crowe” meaning “crow”.

Additional Information

Scarecrows are often made from old clothes, straw, and sticks, and are typically used to protect crops from birds and other pests. In folklore, scarecrows are sometimes depicted as anthropomorphic figures with evil intentions, adding to their mysterious and intimidating nature.

While scarecrows serve a practical purpose, they have also become decorative symbols of rural life and harvest celebrations.

Usage Notes

When using the term “scarecrow”, be mindful of the context. While it can be used to describe a harmless object or decoration, it can also evoke a sense of unease or fear if used to describe a person or thing with malevolent intentions.

Cultural References

• In American literature and folklore, scarecrows are often portrayed as creepy or malevolent figures. Examples include the infamous scarecrow from the novel “The Green Mile” by Stephen King.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Rag doll” is a common idiomatic expression that refers to a scarecrow-like figure.

Related Words or Phrases

• Mooching
• Pest control

Collocations

• Scarecrow field
• Scarecrow family

Frequency of Use

While the term “scarecrow” is not as commonly used as other words, it still appears in modern language, particularly in contexts related to agriculture, folklore, and Halloween decorations.

Common Misspellings

• Scarecrowe
• Scaracreow