What is scare? Pronunciation and usage in English

scare means . Learn how to pronounce and use scare through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of scare

scareverb

/skɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of scare

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "scare" in English. It can be tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /skeer/ (rhymes with "beer" or "fear")

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  1. "S" sound: This is a standard "s" sound – like in "sun."
  2. "c" sound: This is the key! The "c" is pronounced like a "k" sound (as in "kite"). It's NOT like the "s" in "scene."
  3. "a" sound: This is a short "a" sound, like in "cat" or "hat." It’s quick and brief.
  4. "re" sound: This is a simple "r" sound blended with the "e" sound. Think of "read."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "k" sound: Many people struggle with the initial "c." Really try to get that “k” sound.
  • Keep the "a" short: Don't lengthen the "a" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "scare"?

Usage and examples with the word scare in English

Let's break down how to use the word "scare" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage - To Cause Fear)

  • Meaning: To make someone feel afraid or frightened.
  • Forms: scare, scared, scaring, scared
  • Examples:
    • "The loud thunder scared my dog." (Past tense)
    • "Don't scare me like that!" (Present tense)
    • "She was scared of the dark." (Past participle – used in perfect tenses)
    • "He's scaring the children with his ghost stories." (Present participle – used with "being")

2. As a Verb (To Startle - Often Less Intense than Fear)

  • Meaning: To surprise someone suddenly, often in a way that makes them jump or react quickly. This feeling isn't always fear, but can be a bit of a shock.
  • Examples:
    • "The waiter scared me by jumping out from behind the table."
    • "I scared myself when I tripped and fell."
    • "The sudden noise scared the horses."

3. As a Noun (Something That Causes Fear)

  • Meaning: Something that causes fear or fright.
  • Examples:
    • "The movie was full of scares."
    • "He was terrified by the scarecrow in the field."
    • "A sudden shadow became a scare."

4. As a Noun (A Sudden Moment of Fear)

  • Meaning: A brief, sudden feeling of fear.
  • Examples:
    • “I felt a scare when I heard the crash.”
    • "The little boy had a scare when he fell off his bike."

Key Considerations & Related Words:

  • Adjectives Related to Fear: When using “scare,” it's often connected to words describing fear: afraid, frightened, terrified, anxious, alarmed.
  • Synonyms: Consider these synonyms depending on the nuance you want to convey:
    • Startle: (similar to startling)
    • Appall: To cause great shock and dismay.
    • Alarm: To cause worry or concern.
    • Frighten: (a more formal synonym for scare)
    • Terrify: To inspire overwhelming fear.
  • Phonetics: The pronunciation of "scare" can vary slightly depending on the context (e.g., "scare" as in "to frighten" versus "scare" as in "to startle").

Let's practice!

Can you give me a sentence using "scare" in one of the ways we've discussed?

Synonyms for the word scare

Idioms of the word scare

frighten/scare the (living) daylights out of somebody
(informal)to frighten somebody very much
    frighten/scare the life out of somebody
    (informal)to frighten somebody very much
    • You scared the life out of me coming in so suddenly like that.
    frighten/scare somebody to death
    (informal)to frighten somebody very much
    • Spiders frighten him to death.
    scare the shit out of somebody | scare somebody shitless
    (taboo, slang)to frighten somebody very much

      Practice with vocabulary scare

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The sudden market crash could _________ some novice investors into selling their shares prematurely.
      2. Stricter enforcement of data privacy laws is meant to _________ companies away from negligent handling of customer information.
      3. The company's innovative approach started to _________ interest in the burgeoning market segment.
      4. During the crucial presentation, she managed to _________ her anxieties and deliver a convincing pitch.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. The significant drop in quarterly profits might _________ some shareholders. A) comfort B) calm C) worry D) alarm E) scare F) reassure

      2. The strict penalties associated with insider trading are intended to _________ potential offenders. A) encourage B) deter C) entice D) scare E) motivate F) prevent

      3. The unexpected system alert could _________ an unprepared user. A) startle B) soothe C) warn D) calm E) scare F) pacify

      4. The new policy aims to _________ productivity across all departments. A) hinder B) impede C) improve D) boost E) restrict F) diminish

      5. During the negotiations, the team leaders sought to _________ a mutual agreement. A) achieve B) prevent C) facilitate D) obstruct E) hinder F) delay

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The unexpected rise in interest rates is likely to make potential homebuyers hesitant. (Rewrite using "scare" or a related word form.)

      2. The prospect of facing an internal audit can make some departments nervous about their records. (Rewrite using "scare" or a related word form.)

      3. The manager's consistent feedback helped improve the team's overall performance. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "scare".)

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. scare
      2. scare
      3. generate
      4. overcome

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. C) worry, D) alarm, E) scare
      2. B) deter, D) scare, F) prevent
      3. A) startle, C) warn, E) scare
      4. C) improve, D) boost
      5. A) achieve, C) facilitate

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The unexpected rise in interest rates is likely to scare off potential homebuyers.
      2. The prospect of an internal audit can scare some departments into meticulous record-keeping.
      3. The manager's consistent feedback helped enhance the team's overall performance.

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