Dictionary
frighten
verb fright·en \ˈfrī-tən\
: to cause (someone) to become afraid
: to become afraid
fright·enedfright·en·ing \ˈfrī-tən-iŋ, ˈfrīt-niŋ\
Full Definition of FRIGHTEN
transitive verb
1
: to make afraid : terrify
2
: to drive or force by frightening <frightened the boy into confessing>
intransitive verb
: to become frightened
— fright·en·ing·ly \-tən-iŋ-lē, -niŋ-lē\ adverb
See frighten defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of FRIGHTEN
1630
Related to FRIGHTEN
FRIGHTEN Defined for Kids
frighten
verb fright·en \ˈfrī-tən\
fright·enedfright·en·ing
Definition of FRIGHTEN for Kids
: to make afraid : terrify
— fright·en·ing·ly adverb
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