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freak out

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌfriːk ˈaʊt/

freak out means: To become so frightened or angry that you cannot stay calm or behave normally.

verb

LOSE CONTROLB2

To become so frightened or angry that you cannot stay calm or behave normally.

  • Do not freak out!
  • He freaked out when the lift stopped.
  • My parents will freak out if they see this bill.

How to use it: freak out when… (He freaked out when he saw the blood.); freak out over/about something (She freaked out over the missing tickets.)

Similar words: panic, lose it, lose control

Opposites: calm down

Common phrases: freak out completely, freak out over something

SCARE SOMEONEB2

To make someone feel very frightened, nervous, or uncomfortable.

  • Spiders freak me out.
  • The empty house really freaked her out.
  • Did that film freak you out too?

How to use it: freak someone out (That strange noise freaked me out.)

Similar words: scare, unnerve, creep out

Opposites: reassure

Common phrases: freak out someone, freak out the customers

FEEL NERVOUSB2

To feel very worried, frightened, or upset.

  • I am freaking out about the exam.
  • She freaked out while waiting for the results.
  • Are you freaking out about your interview?

How to use it: freak out about/over something (I am freaking out about tomorrow’s exam.)

Similar words: worry, panic

Opposites: relax

Common phrases: freak out about something, freak out a little

UNCONVENTIONAL STYLEC2

To adopt a very unusual appearance or way of life, often against traditional social rules.

  • In the sixties, some students chose to freak out.
  • He freaked out, wearing wild clothes and rejecting his old lifestyle.
  • They freaked out together, growing their hair and joining a hippie commune.

Similar words: go bohemian

Common phrases: freak out completely, freak out in style

Questions about freak out

What does freak out mean?

To become so frightened or angry that you cannot stay calm or behave normally.

What is freak out in other languages?

Türkçe: paniklemek · Español: perder los nervios · Français: paniquer · Deutsch: ausflippen · Italiano: dare di matto · 日本語: パニックになる

How do you pronounce freak out?

It is pronounced /ˌfriːk ˈaʊt/.

How do you use freak out in a sentence?

Do not freak out! He freaked out when the lift stopped.

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