Scary describes something that causes fear or makes you feel frightened. A scary movie might feature ghosts, monsters, or suspenseful moments that make your heart race. A scary storm with thunder, lightning, and howling wind can make you want to stay safely indoors. Even a scary thought, like imagining you forgot your homework when you actually didn’t, can give you that queasy, nervous feeling.

What makes something scary varies from person to person. Little kids might find a dark closet scary, while older kids might seek out scary roller coasters or haunted houses for the thrill. Some people love scary stories because facing pretend fears in a safe setting can be exciting, while others prefer to avoid scary things altogether.

The word can describe both real dangers (a scary situation where you’re lost in an unfamiliar place) and imaginary ones (scary creatures that don’t actually exist). Scientists have discovered that when we experience something scary, our bodies react automatically: our breathing speeds up, our muscles tense, and we feel more alert. This response helped our ancestors survive real threats, though today we mostly experience it during false alarms and entertainment.