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.

“They both can get a body shaken up. But I ain’t—er, haven’t—ever been frightened by either yet. Why do you ask?”

From Literature

Mullen said her two children, aged two and 14, are frightened to go outside.

From BBC

“It’s more frightening when something is not instantly fully understood and seen,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, the way I acted really frightened people, although it was really just me who was scared.

From MarketWatch

For seniors, change often isn’t just disruptive, it’s frightening.

From MarketWatch