Phrasal verbs "freak out" vs "smoke out"

Differences between freak out and smoke out

Freak out means to become extremely anxious, upset, or scared, while smoke out means to force someone or something out of hiding by using smoke or other means.

Meanings and Definitions: freak out vs smoke out

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Freak out

• 1. Become very disturbed or angry.

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

Smoke out

• 1. Force someone out of a place they're hiding in.

  The police SMOKED the gang OUT and arrested them.

Usage Examples: freak out, smoke out in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

freak out

Example

I always freak out when I see a spider.

Example

She freaks out whenever she has to speak in public.

smoke out

Example

The firefighters tried to smoke out the trapped animals.

Example

He smokes out the bees from their hive to collect honey.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Freak out

lose one's cool

To become angry or upset and lose control of one's emotions.

Example

When she saw the spider, she lost her cool and started screaming.

have a meltdown

To have an emotional breakdown or outburst.

Example

After failing the exam, he had a meltdown and cried for hours.

flip out

To react strongly and emotionally, often in an irrational or unpredictable manner.

Example

When he found out his flight was cancelled, he flipped out and started yelling at the airline staff.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Smoke out

flush out

To force someone or something out of hiding or concealment.

Example

The police used tear gas to flush out the suspect from the building.

root out

To find and remove something hidden or difficult to locate.

Example

The IT team had to root out the virus from the computer system.

uncover

To reveal or discover something that was previously hidden or unknown.

Example

The investigation helped to uncover a network of illegal activities within the company.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• roll out
• scout out
• churn out
• crash out
• clear out

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

Frequency in Daily Use: freak out or smoke out?

In everyday conversation, freak out is more common than smoke out. This is because freak out is a commonly used phrasal verb to describe a strong emotional reaction, while smoke out is less frequently used and has a more specific meaning.

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

Freak out and smoke out are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, smoke out may be used in more formal settings such as journalism or politics when referring to uncovering hidden information or individuals.

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

The tone of freak out and smoke out can differ based on context. Freak out often carries a negative or panicked tone, while smoke out typically has a more strategic or investigative tone.

freak out & smoke out: Synonyms and Antonyms

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

Smoke out

Synonyms

• expel
• uncover
• reveal
• expose
• force out
• drive out

Antonyms

• hide
• conceal
• protect
• shelter
• cover up