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Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of freak

1
First recorded in 1555–65; 1965–70 for def. 6; perhaps akin to Old English frīcian “to dance”

Other definitions for freak (2 of 2)

freak2
[ freek ]
/ frik /

verb (used with object)
to fleck, streak, or variegate: great splashes of color freaking the sky.
noun
a fleck or streak of color.

Origin of freak

2
Apparently introduced by Milton in Lycidas (1637), perhaps as blend of freck to mark with spots (perhaps back formation from freckle) and streak
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use freak in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for freak (1 of 2)

freak1
/ (friːk) /

noun
a person, animal, or plant that is abnormal or deformed; monstrosity
  1. an object, event, etc, that is abnormal or extremely unusual
  2. (as modifier)a freak storm
a personal whim or caprice
informal a person who acts or dresses in a markedly unconventional or strange way
informal a person who is obsessed with something specifieda jazz freak
verb

Word Origin for freak

C16: of obscure origin

British Dictionary definitions for freak (2 of 2)

freak2
/ (friːk) rare /

noun
a fleck or streak of colour
verb
(tr) to streak with colour; variegate

Word Origin for freak

C17: from earlier freaked, probably coined by Milton, based on streak 1 + obsolete freckt freckled; see freckle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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