frighten

[frahyt-n] / ˈfraɪt n /

VERB

shock, scare

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitate alarm astound awe daunt demoralize deter disconcert discourage dishearten dismay faze horrify intimidate perturb petrify startle terrify terrorize unnerve

STRONG

affright browbeat bulldoze chill cow disquiet panic repel spook unhinge

WEAK

chill to the bone curdle the blood disburb discomfort make blood run cold make teeth chatter scare away scare off scare to death stiff strike terror into

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assist assure calm comfort delight embolden encourage expect hearten help inspirit make happy please soothe stimulate urge

WEAK

exhilarate gladden

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Touch wood, no. I've been very, very close. It's this that frightens them", he tugs his orange vest.

From BBC

"If he goes offline for more than half an hour or an hour, all kinds of frightening thoughts start running through my mind," she says.

From BBC

During a recent getaway to a remote cabin in upstate New York, I found myself thinking about why the quiet is so frightening.

From Salon

Hall said: "It feels frightening, but the little eggs I do have left are good quality, so it's not over."

From BBC

"When something frightening happens, children and young people cope best when adults focus on three things," he said.

From BBC