affoler
to panic · panic
Faire éprouver une peur ou une grande inquiétude à quelqu’un.
The French verb "affoler" means "to scare," "to panic," or "to throw into a frenzy." It is often used to describe causing someone to become anxious, overwhelmed, or extremely excited about something.
Synonyms and differences:
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Affecter: This means "to affect" or "to influence." While it can imply causing a reaction, it doesn't carry the same sense of panic or frenzy that "affoler" does. It's often more neutral or clinical.
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Anxieux (or Anxier): This translates to "anxious" or "to make anxious." It can indicate causing someone to feel nervous but does not necessarily imply the intensity or chaos that "affoler" suggests.
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Démolir: While this means "to demolish," in a figurative sense, it can imply overwhelming someone emotionally. However, it is more extreme and destructive compared to "affoler."
Overall, "affoler" has a strong connotation of instilling fear or disorder, often in a sudden or unexpected manner, which sets it apart from its synonyms.
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Examples
Elle s'est affolée en entendant le bruit soudain.verb
She panicked when she heard the sudden noise.
La foule pourrait s'affoler si l'alarme se déclenche.verb
The crowd could panic if the alarm goes off.
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