Scary Meaning
Scary Definition & Usage
Causing fear or alarm; frightening or unsettling.
Examples
- "The horror movie was so scary that I couldn’t sleep afterward."
- "The abandoned house looked scary with all the broken windows and overgrown weeds."
- "He has a scary reputation at work because of his strict attitude."
- "There was a scary moment when the car skidded on the ice."
- "The dark alley felt scary at night, with no one else around."
Having an intimidating or ominous quality, often associated with power or danger.
Examples
- "He had a scary look in his eyes, making everyone nervous."
- "The villain in the movie was a scary figure, always lurking in the shadows."
- "Her loud voice and aggressive tone gave her a scary presence in the room."
- "The sight of the giant waves crashing onto the shore was enough to make the surfers feel scared."
- "The storm clouds gathered overhead, and the thunder sounded almost scary."
Cultural Context
The word 'scary' is widely used across English-speaking cultures to describe things that evoke fear, anxiety, or alarm. It is common in both casual conversation and in descriptions of fictional horror, as well as real-life situations where danger or unease is present. From classic horror films to real-life unsettling encounters, 'scary' has become synonymous with fear and the unknown.
The Scary Night in the Forest
Story
The Scary Night in the Forest
It was a cold autumn evening when Sarah and her friends decided to hike through the old forest near their town. Despite the warnings of locals who spoke in hushed tones about strange happenings there, they were determined to experience the thrill of the 'scary' woods. The forest, with its twisted trees and thick fog, seemed to whisper secrets in the wind. Sarah laughed nervously, trying to brush off the unease settling in her chest, but the deeper they went, the more unsettling the atmosphere became. Suddenly, a distant howl echoed through the trees, sending shivers down their spines. 'That was definitely a wolf, right?' Mark whispered, his voice betraying the fear he was trying to hide. 'Yeah, it's just a wolf,' Sarah replied, though she wasn't so sure. The air was thick with tension, and the shadows seemed to stretch toward them as if the trees were watching. At that moment, a rustle in the bushes startled them. They froze, and then, from behind a tree, a figure emerged. It was a tall man in a dark cloak, his face obscured. His eyes gleamed in the dim light, and there was something about his presence that was, well, 'scary.' Not in the supernatural sense, but in a way that made their instincts scream to run. 'Who are you?' Sarah asked, her voice trembling. 'Just a traveler,' the man said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. He stepped forward, and they instinctively backed away, feeling that this man was no mere wanderer. The chilling wind blew harder as if urging them to leave. After what felt like an eternity, the man turned and disappeared into the shadows of the forest, leaving the group staring after him. The rest of the hike was a blur of hurried steps and nervous glances over their shoulders, and by the time they reached the edge of the forest, the sense of relief was palpable. It wasn’t just the forest that was scary, but the unsettling feeling of being watched, of encountering something that was not fully understood. As they left the trees behind, the moonlight seemed to shine a little brighter, but the memory of the 'scary' encounter lingered long after.
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