frightened

[frahyt-nd] / ˈfraɪt nd /

ADJECTIVE

very scared

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid anxious fearful panicky spooked startled unnerved

STRONG

abashed affrighted alarmed butterflies cowed dismayed frozen numb petrified terrified terrorized yellow

WEAK

aghast chicken chicken-hearted have cold feet having kittens hung up in a cold sweat in a panic in a sweat jittery jumpy lily-livered mousy pushing the panic button rabbity running scared scared stiff shaky shivery sissy terror-stricken uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold brave cool courageous happy unafraid

WEAK

calm comforted

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.

Turning to his anxious helmsman, Pericles took his cloak and held it in front of the man’s eyes, asking if this made him frightened.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

She said the closure of shops was a "massive shame", adding: "They might have lost quite a lot of money from that. A lot of the staff are very frightened."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The easily frightened — and the recently engaged — might be advised to approach Boston’s new series, which premiered Thursday, with caution.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Dahl made his fortune by tapping into the delight children take in being frightened, conjuring worlds where evil lurks, often in human form.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

"Who was more frightened, do you think? We or the bats?"

From "Rowan of Rin" by Emily Rodda

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