Phrase guide

scare up

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To frighten (an animal, especially a game animal) into appearing from cover.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: drive, flush, flush out

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To find or procure (something), especially something not easily found or procured, and especially while relying on chance to provide the means.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Figurative sense US from 1846.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: aufscheuchen — to frighten an animal
  • Polish: wypłaszać — to frighten an animal
  • Polish: wypłoszyć — to frighten an animal
  • Swedish: skrämma ut — to frighten an animal
  • Swedish: skrämma fram — to frighten an animal
  • Swedish: skrämma upp — to frighten an animal
  • German: auftreiben — to find or get something difficult
  • German: zusammenkriegen — to find or get something difficult
  • Polish: skołować — to find or get something difficult
  • Polish: kombinować — to find or get something difficult
  • Polish: skombinować — to find or get something difficult
  • Russian: отыска́ть (otyskátʹ) — to find or get something difficult
  • Russian: раздобы́ть (razdobýtʹ) — to find or get something difficult