: thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic
scared of snakes
scared to go out

Examples of scared in a Sentence

I am really scared about speaking in front of the class. He was scared that his mother wouldn't let him go to the movies with his friends. She's scared to walk alone at night.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Two of the biggest forces in all of Hollywood are joining forces, and everyone should be scared. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 Most on each side are scared, not just concerned, if the other side wins, and while most voters express confidence this election is being conducted fairly and accurately, Harris voters are more confident than Trump voters are. Jennifer De Pinto, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 No matter how convinced someone might be that what’s inside each box is completely harmless, the mystery and misdirection of it all keep them confused and slightly scared. Drew Gerber, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Somebody who can be funny and scary and scared and a little unaccustomed to human company…. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scared 

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scared was in 1579

Dictionary Entries Near scared

Cite this Entry

“Scared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scared. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on scared

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!