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susto

fright

noun SOOS-toh Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Origin: From Latin suscitare (to rouse, raise up), via the verb asustar.

Also means

scare

Usage Note

Susto refers to a sudden shock or fright, not prolonged fear (miedo). The idiom llevarse un susto means to get a fright, and dar un susto means to give someone a scare. In some Latin American folk beliefs, susto is also a folk illness caused by severe fright, said to cause the soul to leave the body.

Examples

"Me llevé un gran susto al oír el ruido."

Natural Translation

I got a big fright when I heard the noise.

Literal Translation

To-me I-took a big fright upon hearing the noise.

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