Synonyms and antonyms of To express or react to fear in British Thesaurus

shout (verb)

to make a sudden loud noise because you are afraid or are feeling pain

cry out ()

to make a loud noise because you are in pain or because you are afraid or shocked

tremble (verb)

if your body or part of your body trembles, it shakes, usually because you are nervous, afraid, or excited

back away ()

to move away backwards from someone, for example because you are afraid

cringe (verb)

to move back slightly from something that is unpleasant or frightening

bolt (verb)

to run in a sudden way, especially because you are frightened

recoil (verb)

to move quickly back from someone or something frightening or unpleasant

cower (verb)

to move your body down and away from someone or something because you are frightened

shrink (verb)

to move back or away from someone or something, especially because you are frightened or nervous

hyperventilate (verb)

to breathe very fast in a way that is not normal, for example because you are frightened or nervous

blanch (verb)

mainly literary to be so shocked or frightened that your face becomes pale

blench (verb)

mainly literary to react in a way that shows you are very frightened, for example by turning pale

bluster (verb)

to speak in an angry or threatening way, often because you do not want to show that you are frightened or nervous

choke (verb)

to say something in a strange voice and with difficulty because you are frightened, angry, sad etc

grovel (verb)

showing disapproval to show too much respect for someone or be too willing to obey someone, because you want to please them or you are afraid of them

gulp (verb)

to make a noise as you swallow air because you are surprised, excited, or afraid

scream (verb)

to make a loud high cry because you are hurt, frightened, or excited

shriek (verb)

to shout in a loud high voice because you are frightened, excited, or surprised

start (verb)

to move suddenly because you are afraid or surprised by something

start back ()

to make a sudden nervous movement away from someone or something that has frightened you

tremble (verb)

if your voice trembles, you cannot talk in a steady calm way, especially because you are nervous, afraid, or excited

wring your hands ()

to twist and squeeze your hands together, especially when you are afraid or nervous