1 B2 idiomatic informal
To make someone feel frightened or uneasy, especially in a supernatural or eerie way
"That old abandoned house really spooked me out — I didn't want to go near it."
separable
spook out
B2 informal separable transitive
To frighten or unsettle someone, often with something eerie or unexpected
In plain English
To make someone feel scared or creeped out, usually by something strange or spooky
What does "spook out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To become frightened or startled, used reflexively
"She spooked herself out reading horror stories alone at midnight."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cause fright like a spook (ghost) — semi-transparent
Actually means
To make someone feel scared or creeped out, usually by something strange or spooky
Usage tip
Informal and fairly common in spoken American English. 'Spooked out' as an adjective ('I was totally spooked out') is very natural. The verb 'spook' alone is also used without 'out' with the same meaning. Often used to describe reactions to ghost stories, horror films, or strange situations.
Words that pair with "spook out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ghost noise story darkness dream house
How to conjugate "spook out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spook out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spooks out
he/she/it
Past simple
spooked out
yesterday
Past participle
spooked out
have + pp
-ing form
spooking out
continuous
Hear "spook out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "spook out"
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