to freak out - to creep out

[dilodi83]

I have doubts about these two verbs and about how to use them properly.
1) Let's start with saying that I got that both of them are synonyms of "to scare" and "to frighten". Is this correct?
2) After checking them out several times in more than one dictionary I've come to the conclusion that in English (I don't know if it's the same both inAmerican E and British E) you tend to use "to creep out" when something or someone scares someone else and, at the same time, disgusts someone...

Ex. I saw a spider today. They always creep me out. (Because I'm scared of them and I do not like them either)

You tend to use "to freak out" when something or someone scares someone else but there's no shred of disgust or repugnance...

Ex. Did you see that lightning? Wow! It freaked me out. (It scared me but I don't say whether I like lightnings or not...)

Am I right up to this point?

But, what about these sentences?
1) Snakes always creep me out.
2) Snakes always freak me out.
3) Seeing that dead body creeped me out.
4) Seeing that dead body freaked me out.

Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think these four sentences mean all the same with just a difference: the ones with "creep out" underlines that I'm frightened and also disgusted; the ones with "freak out" highlight that I'm just scared and in this sense "to freak out" is a more appropriate synonyms of "to scare", whereas "to creep out" adds a different shade of meaning...so it's not only fear, but also disgust...

I would like to thank in advance whoever will help me to understand these two verbs.

[Gillnetter]

I have doubts about these two verbs and about how to use them properly. It may be important to understand them but first you should realize that they are very informal and are mainly used by younger and somewhat uneducated people.
1) Let's start with saying that I got that both of them are synonyms of "to scare" and "to frighten". Is this correct?
2) After checking them out several times in more than one dictionary I've come to the conclusion that in English (I don't know if it's the same both inAmerican E and British E) you tend to use "to creep out" when something or someone scares someone else and, at the same time, disgusts someone... No. I can feel that something is creepy without feeling any fear. Disgust or a feeling of revulsion would be closer to this feeling.

Ex. I saw a spider today. They always creep me out. (Because I'm scared of them and I do not like them either) No. Again I can feel disgust or loathing without feeling fear.

You tend to use "to freak out" when something or someone scares someone else but there's no shred of disgust or repugnance...Could be, but to go into a state of panic is closer.

Ex. Did you see that lightning? Wow! It freaked me out. (It scared me but I don't say whether I like lightnings or not...)

Am I right up to this point?

But, what about these sentences?
1) Snakes always creep me out.
2) Snakes always freak me out.
3) Seeing that dead body creeped me out.
4) Seeing that dead body freaked me out.

Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think these four sentences mean all the same with just a difference: the ones with "creep out" underlines that I'm frightened and also disgusted; the ones with "freak out" highlight that I'm just scared and in this sense "to freak out" is a more appropriate synonyms of "to scare", whereas "to creep out" adds a different shade of meaning...so it's not only fear, but also disgust...

I would like to thank in advance whoever will help me to understand these two verbs.

Gil

[dilodi83]

Gil

Thanks so much for the answer Gill,
but how to use them correctly without making any mistakes?

[dilodi83]

Any native speaker who can help me with this?

[bhaisahab]

Any native speaker who can help me with this?

I am not familiar with "to creep out". Except in the literal sense.

[5jj]

I am not familiar with "to creep out". Except in the literal sense.

Neither am I.

[dilodi83]

what would it be the literal sense?
Do you think "to freak out" is a perfect synonym of "to scare" or "to frighten"? Any difference?

[bhaisahab]

what would it be the literal sense?

Have a look at this link: creep verb - definition in British English Dictionary & Thesaurus - Cambridge Dictionary Online