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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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 20, 2025

My theory is it’s a tribute to the veil Karloff sported during lunch breaks, so as not to frighten any pregnant secretaries on the Universal lot.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

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

From BBC • Aug. 5, 2025

“What if I should frighten people? With my remarkable size. What if they flee in terror?”

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill