scary

[ skair-ee ]

adjective

, scar·i·er, scar·i·est.

1. causing fright or alarm.
2. easily frightened; timid.

scary

/ ˈskɛərɪ /

adjective

1. causing fear or alarm; frightening
2. easily roused to fear; timid

Word History and Origins

Origin of scary¹

First recorded in 1575–85; scare + -y ¹

Example Sentences

She said not knowing what would happen to Aoife when she reaches 19 was a "really scary thought".

From BBC

Along with the call on Sunday for a “fair investigation,” Joe Brings Plenty Sr. talked about his son’s work as an activist, which he called “quite scary, because the Indian issue isn’t a popular issue.”

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking at the Sheffield Documentary Festival earlier this year, he told BBC News it was an important journey to go on because the risks of ignoring your emotions are far scarier.

From BBC

"I'm really chuffed that me and Joe have survived the one-minute performance, which I think is the scariest part of the day."

From BBC

“Get a load of me,” he says, “instead of being rude and crazy like usual, I’m doing quiet and serene. Which in many ways is a lot scarier.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alarming
• chilling
• creepy
• eerie
• hairy
• horrifying
• intimidating
• shocking
• spooky