freakout

American  

[freek-out] / ˈfrikˌaʊt /

noun

1. an act or instance of freaking out.

2. a person who freaks out.

---

verb phrase

1. to lose or cause to lose emotional control from extreme excitement, shock, fear, joy, despair, etc..

   Seeing the dead body completely freaked him out.

2. to enter into or cause a period of irrational behavior or emotional instability, especially under the influence of a drug.

   to be freaked out on LSD.

Etymology

Origin of freakout

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of verb phrase freak out (in the sense “to lose one's emotional control”

Example Sentences

However, our call of the day from the former head of commodities at hedge-fund giant Bridgewater, Alexander Campbell, says the “current freakout is overblown” and investors should own the dollar and gold.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 28, 2026

In the process, his tactics have sparked a rule change from FIDE, instant backlash to the change, and sent the chess world into a full-blown freakout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2025

Holly’s sudden social-media fame as a wood-splitting DIY farm fatale sends Alison into full freakout mode: Maybe she shouldn’t hole up in her studio and write the next book.

From Salon • Jun. 23, 2025

—The bond market freakout: More worrisome to financial observers was weird, counterintuitive activity in the treasury bond market.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025

“This freakout — that we’re trying to do something unique legally — is just hysterical,” she said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2024