frightened

adjective

fright·​ened ˈfrī-tᵊnd 

: feeling fear : made to feel afraid

a badly frightened child

The farmer was hurrying out into the road, and his wife was standing at the gate, looking very frightened.

—Anna Sewell

Synonyms of frightened

• afraid
• terrified
• scared
• horrified
• alarmed
• shocked
• fearful

Examples of frightened in a Sentence

I am frightened of the dark

Recent Examples on the Web

Even young raccoons can bite or scratch when frightened, and wild animals can carry parasites and diseases, says Rakestraw. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 20 June 2026

When customers are frustrated, frightened, confused or considering leaving, those become high-risk moments. — Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026

Romanch Mahajan and his family were enjoying a carriage ride in Central Park on Wednesday when, after their driver stepped off the vehicle to take their picture, the horse became frightened and bolted. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 19 June 2026

After the arrests, children in her van became frightened and initially refused to get out. — Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of frighten

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing frightened

• scared/frightened the dickens

Rhymes for frightened

• enlightened
• brightened
• heightened
• lightened
• tightened
• unenlightened