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.

Chinese officials first tried to frighten Ms. Takaichi off such a hawkish line with insulting rhetoric.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

The risk of similar consequences might be enough to frighten off many providers.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

Sanctions still hurt the targeted country, but they no longer frighten the market, especially if loosely enforced.

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

Anyone claiming to know for sure is either lying, trying to frighten you into giving money, or both.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025

“You cannot frighten me,” said the man in black, but there was fear all through his voice.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman