frightened; frightening
ˈfrī-tᵊn-iŋ 
ˈfrīt-niŋ
1
: to make afraid : terrify
The movie scene frightened the child.
2
a
: to drive or force by frightening
—used with into
frightened the boy into confessing
b
: to cause to go or stay away through fear
—often used with away or off
The dog frightened the prowler away.
The high prices frighten off tourists.
: to become frightened
She doesn't frighten easily.
Examples of frighten in a Sentence
The story really frightened me.
The child was badly frightened by the mask.
Recent Examples on the Web
Several critics said the legislation introduces too many unknowns, adding that with the artificial intelligence legislation also under consideration, Connecticut is moving towards regulations that could frighten companies looking to grow in the state.
—
P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Lee Cronin was both flattered and frightened when Jason Blum suggested titling his The Mummy reimagining as Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026
There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026
When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frighten
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P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Lee Cronin was both flattered and frightened when Jason Blum suggested titling his The Mummy reimagining as Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Apr. 2026
There’s no surefire way to frighten bees and other stinger pollinators from your home, but there are ways to make your living space less attractive to them.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 2026
When to see a doctor Ashamalla stressed that people shouldn’t be frightened by every ache or pain.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for frighten
Cite this Entry
“Frighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frighten. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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