scared stiff

English

Adjective

scared stiff (not comparable)

1. (literally) scared to the point of being unable to move, or (figuratively) very scared. [from 1890s]

   He was scared stiff, like a deer in the headlights, by the vampire walking toward him.

   • 1895, “Wicke v Albany Railway”, in New York Court of Appeals. Records and Briefs.‎:

     I was scared stiff when I saw the car coming; it came like lightning;

Synonyms

• petrified, scared to death, scared shitless (vulgar)
  • See also Thesaurus:afraid

Related terms

• bored stiff

Translations

terrified

Greek: μου κόπηκαν τα ήπατα (el) (mou kópikan ta ípata) Maori: pakaru (ana)/(katoa) [ngā] hamuti Scottish Gaelic: gòrach leis an eagal, air chur eagal a' mhionaich air Swedish: livrädd (sv)