Meaning & Definition of word "Frightened"
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Frightened
/ˈfraɪtən(d)/
adjective:
- 1. Feeling fear or anxiety; scared.
- Example: The frightened child clung to her mother's leg during the thunderstorm.
- 2. Having a sense of panic or distress due to a perceived threat or danger.
- Example: He was frightened when he heard strange noises coming from the dark hallway.
- 3. Causing fear in someone; alarming.
- Example: The frightened look on her face indicated that she had seen something unexpected.
Etymology
Past participle of fright; from Middle English 'frighten' which comes from Old English 'fyrhto', meaning 'to frighten'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
frightened out of one's wits:
Utterly terrified.
frightened to death:
So scared one could feel like dying.
jump out of one's skin:
To react with sudden fear.
Related Words
fear:
An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous.
panic:
A sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety.
terror:
Extreme fear.
Slang Meanings of frightened
Meaning: Freaked out
Example Sentence: She was totally freaked out after watching that horror movie.
Meaning: Spooked
Example Sentence: He got spooked when he heard the noise in the dark.