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.

Thucydides was the great ancient historian of the Peloponnesian War, and he argued that a rising Athens frightened Sparta and led to war.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Despite the headlines about the ship and its increasingly frightened passengers, cruise stocks are rallying on Wednesday due to even bigger news: reports that the U.S. and Iran are nearing a peace deal.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

Today, the mine’s poorly maintained dams still loom over frightened victims of the spill, according to their lawyers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "angry", "appalled" and "disgusted" that Jewish people were "living their lives frightened".

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

And I was more frightened than I had been of Anna Donnelly.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

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