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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.

Nine countries, at any time, could use their Persian and Oman Gulf shoreline to frighten risk-averse captains and insurers from using the strait.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

But it does hint strongly at extraterrestrial visitors being revealed to humankind with a tagline: "If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you?"

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

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

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

The memories suddenly came rushing back to me: Jemma used to put grasshoppers in my hair to frighten me, and I liked to put June bugs on her shoulders to give her a shock.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Vocabulary lists containing frighten

Unit 1, Academic Vocabulary

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Terrify

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Terrify

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