B1verbemotions
US/sker/
UK/skeə/
to make a person or animal feel afraid
In context
Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I thought you heard me come in.
Loud fireworks scare many dogs, so keep your pet inside on New Year's Eve.
The thought of speaking in front of a big audience really scares me.
Words that go with scare
adjective + preposition
- scared ofMy son is scared of the dark, so we leave a light on.
- scared to deathI was scared to death when the plane suddenly dropped.
verb + adverb
- scare awayOur dog barks at every bird and scares them away.
- scare offRising prices could scare off tourists who travel on a budget.
adverb + verb
- easily scaredDon't shout near the horses; they are easily scared.
verb + preposition
- scare people intoSome ads try to scare people into buying things they don't need.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I scare snakes.Correct: I'm scared of snakes.