Phrasal verbs "flake out" vs "freak out"

Differences between flake out and freak out

Flake out means to suddenly fall asleep or cancel plans at the last minute, while freak out means to become extremely anxious, upset, or scared.

Meanings and Definitions: flake out vs freak out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Flake out

• 1. Fall asleep from exhaustion.

  I worked till midnight then FLAKED OUT.

Freak out

• 1. Become very disturbed or angry.

  She FREAKED OUT completely when she didn't get the grades to get into university.

Usage Examples: flake out, freak out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

flake out

Example

After the long hike, I just wanted to flake out on the couch.

Example

She often flakes out after a long day at work.

freak out

Example

I always freak out when I see a spider.

Example

She freaks out whenever she has to speak in public.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Flake out

nod off

To fall asleep suddenly or unintentionally.

Example

I was so tired that I nodded off during the movie and missed the ending.

stand someone up

To fail to show up for a planned meeting or date without warning or explanation.

Example

He stood me up at the restaurant, and I had to eat alone.

bail on

To cancel plans or leave a situation abruptly and without warning.

Example

She bailed on the party at the last minute, leaving us without a ride.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Freak out

lose one's cool

To become angry, upset, or emotional in a situation that requires calmness or composure.

Example

He lost his cool when he found out that his flight was delayed again.

have a meltdown

To have an emotional breakdown or outburst due to stress, anxiety, or frustration.

Example

After working long hours for weeks, she finally had a meltdown in front of her boss.

freak someone out

To cause someone to become extremely anxious, scared, or upset.

Example

The horror movie freaked me out so much that I couldn't sleep for days.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• dig out
• chicken out
• play out
• spew out
• sell out

Differences in flake out vs freak out: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: flake out or freak out?

In daily conversation, people use freak out more often than flake out. This is because freak out is used to describe a wide range of emotions and situations, from being scared of spiders to having a panic attack. Flake out is less common and mainly used when someone cancels plans unexpectedly or falls asleep suddenly.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of flake out and freak out

Flake out and freak out are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of flake out and freak out

The tone of flake out and freak out can differ based on context. Flake out often carries a negative or disappointed tone when referring to someone who cancels plans, while freak out typically has a more intense and emotional tone, especially when referring to anxiety or fear.

flake out & freak out: Synonyms and Antonyms

Flake out

Synonyms

• collapse
• fall asleep
• doze off
• pass out
• drift off
• nod off

Antonyms

• rise
• revive
• wake up
• stay awake
• get up
• energize

Freak out

Synonyms

• panic
• become upset
• become agitated
• lose control
• get worked up
• become anxious
• become frightened
• become scared

Antonyms

• relax
• calm down
• stay composed
• keep cool
• remain calm
• stay collected
• maintain composure