Another Word for Afraid

Mild · A little, in the background

uneasy

Something feels a little wrong.

nervous

Worried about something coming up.

wary

Cautious because you sense possible danger.

timid

Shy and hesitant to act.

spooked

Casual, briefly startled or unsettled.

jumpy

Easily startled by small sounds or movements.

chicken

Informal, too scared to do something.

Moderate · Clearly there, hard to ignore

scared

The everyday word for fear of something specific.

frightened

Scared by something that just happened.

fearful

A lasting state of fear about something.

alarmed

Suddenly aware of danger.

shaken

Still unsteady after a frightening experience.

intimidated

Afraid of a person or challenge that seems stronger.

creeped out

Slang for uneasy fear, often about a person or place.

Intense · Strong, taking over

terrified

Extreme fear that takes over.

petrified

So scared you freeze in place.

horrified

Afraid and shocked by something awful.

panic-stricken

Fear so intense you cannot think clearly.

scared stiff

Informal, frozen with fear.

frozen

Fear that stops you from moving or speaking.

scared to death

Everyday phrase for the most extreme fear.

I am afraid of the dark.

I get jumpy in the dark when the house makes noises.

I am afraid of my new boss.

I am intimidated by my new boss and second-guess every email.

I was afraid during the turbulence.

I was terrified during the turbulence and gripped the armrest.

I am afraid to ask for a raise.

I am wary of asking for a raise right after the layoffs.

The noise made me afraid.

The noise spooked me for a second, then I saw it was the cat.