Talking About Fear in English: 8 Essential Phrasal Verbs
Fear is a universal emotion, and in the English language, there are many ways to express it, especially using phrasal verbs.
These phrasal verbs are invaluable for communicating those nerve-wracking moments in everyday language, giving you the precise words to convey what you're feeling. Below, we’ll explore eight useful phrasal verbs for talking about fear, complete with definitions and examples to help you put them to use confidently.
1. To Run Away
Definition: To leave a situation because of fear or discomfort.
Example: When he saw the snake, he ran away as fast as he could!
Using ‘run away’ shows that someone has physically or mentally retreated from a situation because it felt overwhelming or dangerous.
2. To Scare Off
Definition: To frighten someone or something, causing them to leave or avoid the situation.
Example: The loud noise scared off the birds in the garden.
‘Scare off’ is useful for describing moments when fear or intimidation drives someone or something away.
3. To Fear For
Definition: To feel worry or concern for the safety or well-being of someone or something.
Example: After hearing about the storm, she began to fear for her family’s safety.
This phrasal verb often appears in situations where someone feels anxious or worried about another person’s well-being.
4. To Frighten Off
Definition: To cause someone to feel afraid, leading them to stay away from a situation or person.
Example: The high prices at the restaurant frightened off many customers.
‘Frighten off’ is similar to ‘scare off’ but often implies a longer-term effect, where people or animals may avoid something entirely after being intimidated.
5. To Hold Back
Definition: To stop oneself from doing something due to fear or doubt.
Example: She wanted to speak up in the meeting but held back because she was nervous.
‘Holding back’ is a common reaction when people hesitate to act, speak, or express themselves due to fear or self-doubt.
6. To Freak Out
Definition: To react with extreme fear, anxiety, or panic.
Example: He freaked out when he realised he lost his phone.
This phrasal verb is a very expressive way of talking about a sudden or intense reaction to fear or stress, often involving visible distress or agitation.
7. To Freeze Up
Definition: To become unable to move or speak due to fear or shock.
Example: She froze up when she saw the spider on her desk.
‘Freezing up’ is the feeling of being completely immobilised by fear. It often happens when someone is overwhelmed or surprised by a situation.
8. To Chicken Out
Definition: To decide not to do something because of fear or nervousness.
Example: He was going to give a speech, but he chickened out at the last minute.
‘Chickening out’ describes a common scenario where someone backs out of an action or commitment due to last-minute fear.
Expressing Fear in Everyday Conversation
Using phrasal verbs to describe fear can make your English sound more natural and expressive. By understanding these phrases, you’ll be able to communicate your emotions and responses to fear more effectively in everyday conversations. Whether you’re talking about nerves before a big event or describing how someone reacted in a tense moment, these verbs help capture the nuances of fear.
Fear is a complex emotion, and with these phrasal verbs, you’ll have the tools to discuss it openly and clearly in English. Practice using them in sentences, and don’t hold back—these expressions can add a lot of depth to your language skills, especially when describing those tense, heart-racing moments!