English Reference

Word

freaking

Phoneticsfreak·ing

US/ˈfɹikɪŋ/

UK/fɹˈiːkɪŋ/

Definitions

01very or extremely

B2

adv. you use this to emphasize an adjective or verb when you are surprised, angry, or excited.

adv. functions as an intensifier to emphasize the following adjective, adverb, or verb phrase.

“That was a freaking amazing concert last night.”

“I have been waiting for this promotion for three years, and it is finally freaking happening.”

Informal · Slang

Usage

Usually placed immediately before the word or phrase it modifies.

02emphasizing a noun

B2

adj. used to show strong feeling about a person, thing, or situation.

adj. used as an attributive adjective to express intensity, frustration, or emphasis regarding the noun it modifies.

“I cannot believe I lost my freaking keys again.”

“The entire project was a freaking disaster from the moment the lead architect resigned.”

Informal · Slang

Usage

Always used before the noun; it cannot be used after a verb like 'is'.

03becoming very upset

B2

v. the action of becoming very angry, scared, or excited.

v. the present participle of 'freak'; typically used in the phrasal verb 'freaking out' to describe a state of intense emotional distress or excitement.

“Stop freaking out and just tell me what happened.”

“She was freaking out because she thought she had deleted the final version of her thesis right before the deadline.”

Informal

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“Ok but what I really want to know is how much coffee can a person cup without totally freaking out on caffeine?”
Sprudge · 10 Sept 2026
“Ricote’s co-stars were “freaking out” at his presence; she was nonplussed.”
The Guardian · 28 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Common
Updated

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English Reference