Meaning & Definition of word "Frightful"
to
Frightful
/ˈfraɪt.fəl/
adjective:
- 1. Causing fear or terror; terrifying.
- Example: The frightful storm left everyone in the town trembling with fear.
- 2. Very bad or unpleasant; extremely poor in quality.
- Example: Her frightful performance received harsh criticism from the judges.
- 3. Remarkable in a negative sense; often used hyperbolically.
- Example: He shared a frightful tale of his adventures in the haunted house.
Etymology
Originating from the Middle English frightful, derived from fright + -ful.
Common Phrases and Expressions
frightful experience:
A terrifying or deeply unsettling experience.
frightful weather:
Severe and extremely bad weather conditions.
frightful mess:
A disorganized or chaotic situation.
Related Words
fright:
A feeling of fear or anxiety.
fearful:
Feeling afraid; showing fear.
Slang Meanings of frightful
Meaning: Extremely unpleasant or bad.
Example Sentence: That was a frightful dinner party!
Meaning: Intensely frightening.
Example Sentence: The horror movie was frightful beyond belief.