Frighten: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe a situation where someone is made afraid or anxious but not necessarily to a very intense degree.

• The loud noise started to frighten the children in the park.
• His sudden appearance in the dark room frightened her.

Similar to ‘frighten,’ this word is often used in more casual situations where someone is made to feel afraid. It can be more intense than ‘frighten’ but generally not as extreme as ‘terrify.’

• He tries to scare me with his creepy stories.
• The haunted house was designed to scare its visitors.

This word should be used to describe extreme fear or terror, often in situations that are very dangerous or horrifying.

• The horror movie was so well made that it truly terrified its audience.
• Being lost in the dark forest late at night can terrify anyone.

This word is appropriate when you want to convey a sense of sudden fear or concern, often involving a sense of urgency.

• The fire alarm began to ring, alarming everyone in the building.
• The rising water levels alarmed the residents living by the river.

This word is best used to describe a situation where someone is suddenly surprised or taken aback, often due to a unexpected event or noise.

• The sudden clap of thunder startled the cat.
• She was startled by the fireworks that went off unexpectedly.

Used when causing someone to feel afraid, primarily through sudden or shocking actions or events.

• The loud noise from the thunderstorm can frighten small children.
• The haunted house is designed to frighten its visitors.

Used when making someone fearful or timid, often through the use of force or threats. This term has a negative connotation.

• The gang members tried to intimidate the shop owner into paying them protection money.
• He felt intimidated by his boss's aggressive demeanor.

Used when someone is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to weaker people. This term has a negative connotation.

• The older kids used to bully their younger classmates.
• He was bullied at school for being different.

Used when forcing someone to do something by using threats or pressure. This term implies a negative action.

• The corrupt manager tried to coerce his employees into lying about the company's finances.
• They coerced him into signing the contract under duress.

Used when causing someone to feel intimidated, usually about a challenging task or situation.

• The sheer size of the project didn't daunt her; she was ready for the challenge.
• Public speaking can daunt even the most confident individuals.