Phrase guide

scared stiff

adj · 1 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

adj

Meaning 1

scared to the point of being unable to move, or (figuratively) very scared.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally, not-comparable

Examples

  • He was scared stiff, like a deer in the headlights, by the vampire walking toward him.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Greek: μου κόπηκαν τα ήπατα (mou kópikan ta ípata) — terrified
  • Māori: pakaru/(katoa) [ngā] hamuti (ana) — terrified
  • Māori: tarawewehi — terrified
  • Scottish Gaelic: gòrach leis an eagal — terrified
  • Scottish Gaelic: air chur eagal a' mhionaich air — terrified
  • Swedish: livrädd — terrified