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Definitions

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.

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

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

The capacity of film to genuinely frighten, via editing, camera, music and—notably in a Wan film—ambient sound was being abandoned in favor of gore and giggles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

Chenneour said not knowing the identity of the second man continued to frighten her.

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

That would not only avert the upcoming protest but frighten off other organizations and individuals who might wish to oppose its goals.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

“Lina, we haven’t a choice. Please do the best you can not to frighten your brother.”

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.