n. & v.
--n.
1. (also freak of nature) a monstrosity; an abnormally developed individual or thing.
2 (often attrib.) an abnormal, irregular, or bizarre occurrence (a freak storm).
3 colloq. a an unconventional person. b a person with a specified enthusiasm or interest (health freak). c a person who undergoes hallucinations; a drug addict (see sense 2 of v.).
4 a a caprice or vagary. b capriciousness.
--v. (often foll. by out) colloq.
1. intr. & tr. become or make very angry.
2 intr. & tr. undergo or cause to undergo hallucinations or a strong emotional experience, esp. from use of narcotics.
3 intr. adopt a wildly unconventional lifestyle.
Phrases and idioms:
freak-out colloq. an act of freaking out; a hallucinatory or strong emotional experience.
Etymology: 16th c.: prob. f. dial.