B1verb 1K

Frighten

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈfraɪtn/","/ˈfraɪtnz/","/ˈfraɪtnd/","/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈfraɪtn/","/ˈfraɪtnz/","/ˈfraɪtnd/","/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Frighten

to make somebody suddenly feel afraid

In simple words: To make someone feel scared.

Frighten in a sentence

• The loud thunder frightened the children during the storm.
• I didn’t mean to frighten you when I walked in unexpectedly.
• The horror movie was designed to frighten its audience.
• She tried to frighten her friends with spooky stories, but they weren't scared.
• The sudden appearance of the snake frightened him so much that he jumped back.

How to use Frighten

Commonly used when describing causing fear. Suitable in both written and spoken English but more prevalent in storytelling or when discussing emotional reactions.

Grammar pattern

frighten + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'fright' + 'ten' — imagine a scary monster counting to ten.

Related words

Collocations with Frighten

• really
• almost
• easily
• want to
• not mean to
• try to
• frighten somebody to death
• frighten the life out of somebody

Synonyms for Frighten

• scare
• terrify
• alarm
• intimidate

Opposites of Frighten

• calm
• reassure
• comfort

Common mistakes with Frighten

• Using 'frighten' as a noun (should be used as a verb).
• Confusing 'frighten' with 'scare' (though similar, 'frighten' can imply a stronger emotional reaction).
• Incorrectly alternating between 'frightened' and 'frightening' without understanding the context.

Frequently asked questions about Frighten

What does Frighten mean?

To make someone feel scared.

What is the definition of Frighten?

to make somebody suddenly feel afraid

How do you use Frighten in a sentence?

The loud thunder frightened the children during the storm.

Can you give another example of Frighten?

I didn’t mean to frighten you when I walked in unexpectedly.

What are synonyms for Frighten?

Common alternatives include scare, terrify, alarm, intimidate.

What is the opposite of Frighten?

Opposite meanings include calm, reassure, comfort.

What words go with Frighten?

It commonly pairs with really, almost, easily, want to, not mean to, try to, frighten somebody to death, frighten the life out of somebody.

What are common mistakes when using Frighten?

Using 'frighten' as a noun (should be used as a verb). Confusing 'frighten' with 'scare' (though similar, 'frighten' can imply a stronger emotional reaction). Incorrectly alternating between 'frightened' and 'frightening' without understanding the context.

How do you pronounce Frighten?

US: /["/ˈfraɪtn/","/ˈfraɪtnz/","/ˈfraɪtnd/","/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ˈfraɪtn/","/ˈfraɪtnz/","/ˈfraɪtnd/","/ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Frighten?

Commonly used when describing causing fear. Suitable in both written and spoken English but more prevalent in storytelling or when discussing emotional reactions.

What CEFR level is Frighten?

"Frighten" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.