scare
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1scare

verb \ˈsker\
scaredscar·ing

Definition of SCARE

transitive verb
: to frighten especially suddenly : alarm
intransitive verb
: to become scared
scar·er noun

Examples of SCARE

  1. You scared me. I didn't see you there.
  2. Stop that, you're scaring the children.

Origin of SCARE

Middle English skerren, from Old Norse skirra, from skjarr shy, timid
First Known Use: 13th century

2scare

noun

Definition of SCARE

1
: a sudden fright
2
: a widespread state of alarm : panic
scare adjective

Examples of SCARE

  1. There have been scares about the water supply being contaminated.
  2. <fired over their heads in order to throw a scare into them>

First Known Use of SCARE

circa 1548

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