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freak out

 - 3 dictionary results

freak-out

[freek-out]
–noun Slang.
1. an act or instance of freaking out.
2. a person who freaks out.
Also, freakout.


Origin:
1965–70; n. use of v. phrase freak out

freak

1[freek]
–noun
1. any abnormal phenomenon or product or unusual object; anomaly; aberration.
2. a person or animal on exhibition as an example of a strange deviation from nature; monster.
3. a sudden and apparently causeless change or turn of events, the mind, etc.; an apparently capricious notion, occurrence, etc.: That kind of sudden storm is a freak.
4. Numismatics. an imperfect coin, undetected at the mint and put into circulation.
5. Philately. a stamp differing from others of the same printing because of creases, dirty engraving plates, etc. Compare error (def. 8), variety (def. 8).
6. Slang.
a. a person who has withdrawn from normal, rational behavior and activities to pursue one interest or obsession: a drug freak.
b. a devoted fan or follower; enthusiast: a baseball freak.
c. a hippie.
7. Archaic. capriciousness; whimsicality.
–adjective
8. unusual; odd; irregular: a freak epidemic.
–verb (used without object), verb (used with object)
9. to become or make frightened, nervous, or wildly excited: The loud noise caused the horse to freak.
10. freak out, Slang.
a. to enter into or cause a period of irrational behavior or emotional instability, as under the influence of a drug: to be freaked out on LSD.
b. to lose or cause to lose emotional control from extreme excitement, shock, fear, joy, despair, etc.: Seeing the dead body freaked him out.

Origin:
1555–65; 1965–70 for def. 6; perh. akin to OE frīcian to dance


3. vagary, quirk, crotchet.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Idioms & Phrases

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.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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