The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EXCEPTION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
X
C
E
P
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result EXCEPTION
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Freak" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case freak = exception.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EXCEPTION mean?
EXCEPTION noun- The act of excepting or excluding; exclusion; restriction by taking out something which would otherwise be included, as in a class, statement, rule.
- That which is excepted or taken out from others; a person, thing, or case, specified as distinct, or not included.
- An objection, on legal grounds; also, as in conveyancing, a clause by which the grantor excepts or reserves something before the right is transferred.
- An objection; cavil; dissent; disapprobation; offense; cause of offense; — usually followed by to or against.
- An interruption in normal processing, typically caused by an error condition, that can be handled by another part of the program.