Scary

/ˈskɛri/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Causing fear or fright.
The scary movie made everyone jump in their seats.
Intimidating or unsettling.
It was a scary thought to consider what could happen if we never found the missing child.
Causing anxiety or apprehension.
The scary storm clouds loomed overhead, signaling an impending thunderstorm.

Etymology

Derived from the verb scare, Middle English 'scharen', related to Old Norse 'skera', meaning 'to cut or sever'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

scary movie:
A film that is designed to frighten the audience.
scary thought:
An idea or realization that is frightening or anxiety-inducing.
scary situation:
A circumstance that invokes fear or apprehension.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Scary as a term for something excitingly intense.
That roller coaster was scary, but I loved it!
Used informally to describe someone acting suspiciously.
That guy seems kind of scary, let’s avoid him.