# freaking

/ˈfɹikɪŋ/ (US) · /fɹˈiːkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/freaking
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. very or extremely

adverb · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually placed immediately before the word or phrase it modifies.

### 2. emphasizing a noun

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

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

### 3. becoming very upset

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- That was a freaking amazing movie.
- I have been waiting for a freaking hour and the bus still hasn't arrived.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
