I. ˈsker verb
( scared ; scar·ing )
Etymology: Middle English skerren, from Old Norse skirra, from skjarr shy, timid
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
: to frighten especially suddenly : alarm
intransitive verb
: to become scared
• scar·er noun
II. noun
Date: circa 1548
1. : a sudden fright
2. : a widespread state of alarm : panic
• scare adjective