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Region: General | Usage example: She freaked out after hearing the unexpected news.

Freak out

Meaning

React in panic or horror.

Usage

Describes losing composure.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Beatnik and hippie vocabulary of the 1950s and 1960s.

Popularized by music and film of the 1960s.

Related Idioms

Duck and cover

React quickly to avoid danger.

Hit the floor

Fall suddenly or react with shock.

Quick on the draw

Ready to act or react rapidly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.