freak-out

or freak·out

[ freek-out ]
/ ˈfrikˌaʊt /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR freak-out ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Slang.

an act or instance of freaking out.
a person who freaks out.

Origin of freak-out

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase freak out

Words nearby freak-out

frcvs, freak, freak of nature, freak out, freak show, freak-out, freaking, freakish, freaky, freckle, freckle-faced

Definition for freak out (2 of 2)

Origin of freak

1
1555–65; 1965–70 for def 6; perhaps akin to Old English frīcian to dance

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH freak

freak phreak

British Dictionary definitions for freak out (1 of 3)

freak out

verb (adverb)

informal to be or cause to be in a heightened emotional state, such as that of fear, anger, or excitement

British Dictionary definitions for freak out (2 of 3)

freak 1
/ (friːk) /

noun

a person, animal, or plant that is abnormal or deformed; monstrosity
  1. an object, event, etc, that is abnormal or extremely unusual
  2. (as modifier)a freak storm
a personal whim or caprice
informal a person who acts or dresses in a markedly unconventional or strange way
informal a person who is obsessed with something specified a jazz freak

verb

See freak out

Word Origin for freak

C16: of obscure origin

British Dictionary definitions for freak out (3 of 3)

freak 2
/ (friːk) rare /

noun

a fleck or streak of colour

verb

(tr) to streak with colour; variegate

Word Origin for freak

C17: from earlier freaked, probably coined by Milton, based on streak 1 + obsolete freckt freckled; see freckle

Idioms and Phrases with freak out

freak out
1

Experience or cause to experience hallucinations, paranoia, or other frightening feelings as a result of taking a mind-altering drug. For example, They were freaking out on LSD or some other drug. [Slang; mid-1960s]

2

Behave or cause to behave irrationally and uncontrollably, with enthusiasm, excitement, fear, or madness. For example, The band's wild playing made the audience freak out, or It was such a close accident, it really freaked me out, or She freaked out and ended up in the psychiatric ward. [Slang; 1960s] Also see flip one's lid; wig out.