freak

Everyday

1. A freak event is very unusual and unexpected: a freak storm, a freak accident. tree →
2. (informal) A freak is a person who is very keen on something: a fitness freak, a control freak. tree →
3. (informal) To freak out is to become very scared, upset or excited. tree →
4. (rude) Calling a person a freak means they are strange or not normal; it is hurtful. tree →
5. (old) A freak was a person or animal with an unusual body shown at fairs; this is now seen as cruel. tree →

In the lessons

In news and stories: freak weather, freak accident. In everyday slang: "Don't freak out!", "He's a neat freak". In anti-bullying lessons: calling someone a freak is name-calling. Phrases: freak out, freak accident, freak of nature, neat freak, control freak.

Examples

• A freak hailstorm hit the town in summer. tree →
• She broke her arm in a freak accident. tree →
• Don't freak out, it's only a spider! tree →
• My dad is a neat freak: everything must be tidy. tree →
• I freaked out when the lights went off. tree →
• Calling people freaks is bullying. tree →
• The kid is a maths freak and loves puzzles. tree →
• A freak wave knocked over the sandcastle. tree →
• The young man wondered at this strange freak, and went laughing in search of the maiden. tree →

Note

Informal. "Freak out" is a phrasal verb: freaked out. "Freaking" is a mild swear substitute in American slang ("freaking cold"), best avoided in formal talk. Adjective: freaky (strange, scary).