scares

word · lemma: scare

/ˈskɛɹz/
skairz
/skˈeəz/
skairz

Definition

As a verb, 'scares' means frightens someone or makes them feel afraid. As a plural noun, it can also mean moments of fear or situations that cause alarm, especially brief ones.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, 'scares' is the third-person singular form of 'scare': 'It scares me.' Common patterns: 'scare someone', 'scare someone away', and 'scare someone into doing something'. As a noun, 'health scares' and 'pregnancy scares' are common. Do not confuse it with 'afraid', which describes a feeling, not the cause.

Example Sentences

Horror movies don't usually bother me, but that one really scares me.

natural

We've had a couple of money scares this year, so we're saving more now.

natural

She had a few health scares last year.

basic

The loud noise scares the baby.

basic

It scares me when the dog barks at night.

basic

Honestly, it scares me how fast everything is changing.

natural