Meaning & Definition of word "Frightful"

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.