plural freaks
1
a
disapproving
: a very strange or unusual person
Who's that freak [=weirdo] with the green hair?
eccentric, artistic types whom many regarded as freaks
a hippie freak
b
old-fashioned + sometimes offensive
: a person or animal that is physically abnormal
a circus freak
I had a terrible rash on my face, and I felt like a freak.
a freak show
2
informal
: a person who is very interested or active in something specified
a magazine for computer freaks [=enthusiasts]
a fitness freak
a movie freak
3
informal
: a person who uses a specified illegal drug
a speed freak
4
: something (such as an event) that is very unusual or unexpected
Through some incredible freak of fate [=strange event] they survived the shipwreck.
always used before a noun
: not natural, normal, or likely
He was the victim of a freak accident.
a freak occurrence
freaks; freaked; freaking
informal
1
: to make (someone) very upset
He was a little freaked by the accident.
—usually + outHe was a little freaked out by the accident.
It freaks me out to see people being so violent.
She was freaked out by what you said.
2
: to become very upset
She really freaked when you said that.
—often + outShe really freaked out.
He freaked out when he saw his girlfriend kiss another guy.
Cite this Entry
“Freak.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/freak. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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