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.

“I was frightened, because I had never ever seen Joe like that before or since. Never,” Biden said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Even Betty’s feet are frightened: Her big toes briefly take on the form of faces and hug each other in fear.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

"I was frightened, because I had never ever seen Joe like that before or since. Never," she told "CBS News Sunday Morning" as part of an interview airing this weekend.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

So if you — like many in the financial media — are worried about private credit, you should be downright frightened by private equity.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

Sam was just a teensy-weensy bit frightened of bees.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry

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