asustar

Spanish

Etymology

Either derived from susto, or less likely from a Latin suscitāre, present active infinitive of suscitō (which would hypothetically make it a cognate with English suscitate). More likely linked to Latin substāre, present active infinitive of substō, from sub- + stō. Compare Portuguese assustar.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /asusˈtaɾ/

Verb

1. (transitive) to scare, to frighten, to spook
2. (transitive) to freak out (somebody), to creep out
3. (transitive) to startle
4. (reflexive) to be scared, frightened

   Synonyms: tener miedo, temer

5. (reflexive) to freak out, to get freaked out, to panic

   Me asusté cuando de la nada, un escarabajo voló hacia mí y se me metió en el pelo.

   I freaked out when out of nowhere, a beetle flew at me and got in my hair.

Synonyms

• espantar
• atemorizar

Related terms

• asustarse