freak

[friːk]

freak Definition

• 1. a very unusual and unexpected event or situation
• 2. a person, animal, or plant with an unusual physical abnormality
• 3. a person who is obsessed with or unusually enthusiastic about a particular activity or thing

Using freak: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "freak" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The sudden freak storm caused widespread damage.

• Example

  She was born with six fingers on each hand, which made her a genetic freak.

• Example

  He's a fitness freak who spends hours at the gym every day.

• Example

  I'm a bit of a grammar freak and can't stand incorrect usage.

freak Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for freak

• anomaly
• abnormality
• oddity
• enthusiast
• curiosity

Antonyms for freak

• normality
• conformity

Idioms Using freak

• freak of nature

  something that is very unusual or abnormal, often used to describe a natural phenomenon

  Example

  The giant squid is a freak of nature that has fascinated scientists for centuries.

• freak flag

  a personal emblem or symbol of one's individuality or nonconformity

  Example

  She proudly flies her freak flag by wearing unconventional clothing and hairstyles.

• one's inner freak

  one's hidden or suppressed desires or tendencies, often of a sexual nature

  Example

  He finally let his inner freak out and tried skydiving for the first time.

Phrases with freak

• freak out

  to become or cause someone to become extremely emotional or irrational

  Example

  I freaked out when I saw the spider crawling on my arm.

• freak show

  an exhibition of people, animals, or plants with unusual physical abnormalities, often for entertainment purposes

  Example

  Freak shows were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but are now considered exploitative and unethical.

• freak accident

  an unexpected and unusual accident that is not caused by human error or negligence

  Example

  The plane crash was a freak accident caused by a rare mechanical failure.

Origins of freak

originally meant 'sudden turn of mind' in the 16th century, from Dutch 'vrijken', meaning 'to change' or 'to turn'

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Summary: freak in Brief

The term 'freak' [friːk] refers to unusual events, people, animals, or plants. It can also denote enthusiasts or obsession, as in 'He's a fitness freak.' Phrases like 'freak out' and 'freak show' imply extreme emotions and exhibitions of unusual physical abnormalities, respectively. Idioms like 'freak of nature' and 'freak flag' denote unusual phenomena and individuality, while 'one's inner freak' refers to suppressed desires or tendencies.