frighten

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.

In his speech to young people, the prime minister said he did not want to "frighten" his audience or put pressure on them.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

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

Johnson had hoped that running noisy appliances — the dishwasher and the laundry spin cycle — would scare the bear away, but all the noise managed to do was frighten his cat.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

“Are you trying to frighten me, you miserable little lump of chattering chickweed?” cried Bigwig.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams