Frightful: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฑ
frightful
[หfraษชtfl ]
Definitions
scary
Causing fear or dread; terrifying. Synonyms: terrifying, horrifying, alarming. Frightful noises could be heard coming from the abandoned house. The sight of the ghostly figure was truly frightful.
Synonyms
alarming, horrifying, terrifying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| frightful |
Use in situations that are disturbing but not necessarily life-threatening. It can describe something unpleasant or shocking.
|
| terrifying |
Used to describe something that induces strong fear or terror, often related to life-threatening situations.
|
| horrifying |
Ideal for describing something that is extremely shocking and causes a strong feeling of horror or disgust.
|
| alarming |
Best used when describing something that causes worry or concern because it suggests danger or a problem.
|
Examples of usage
- The horror movie was so frightful that I had nightmares for weeks.
- The sudden appearance of a strange figure in the dark alley was frightful.
shocking
Extremely bad or unpleasant. Synonyms: shocking, appalling, dreadful. The news of the accident was frightful to hear. The conditions in the prison were frightful.
Synonyms
appalling, dreadful, shocking.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| frightful |
Used to describe something very bad or unpleasant, often causing fear or shock. More common in British English and often has a slightly old-fashioned tone.
|
| shocking |
Specifically used to describe something that causes a strong feeling of surprise, disapproval, or emotional upset. The emphasis is often on the suddenness or intensity of the surprise.
|
| appalling |
Used to describe something that is very bad, shocking, or disgusting, often implying a sense of horror or outrage.
|
| dreadful |
Usually used to describe something extremely bad or unpleasant, often in a way that causes fear, shock, or discomfort. Again, more common in British English.
|
Examples of usage
- The extent of the damage caused by the hurricane was frightful.
- The lack of basic necessities in the refugee camp was frightful.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word dates back to the 14th century, combining 'fright,' meaning fear, and the suffix '-ful,' indicating fullness.
- Originally, its use was broader, describing anything that elicits fear, not just physical appearances.
Literature
- In horror stories, frightful creatures often prompt suspense and excitement, engaging readers' imagination.
- Classic Gothic literature often uses frightful settings, like haunted castles, to evoke fear and tension.
Film and Pop Culture
- Frightful imagery is a staple in horror films, designed to create shock and provoke strong emotions in viewers.
- Characters like ghosts or vampires are often depicted as frightful, playing on common fears and anxieties.
Psychology
- Experiencing fright can trigger the 'fight or flight' response, a natural reaction to danger.
- Frightful experiences are often linked to adrenaline rushes that can be both exhilarating and terrifying.
Folklore
- Many cultures have frightful tales, such as urban legends, that are passed down to warn or teach moral lessons.
- Frightful creatures in folklore, like werewolves or banshees, often embody societal fears and anxieties.
Translations
Translations of the word "frightful" in other languages:
๐ต๐น assustador
๐ฎ๐ณ เคญเคฏเคพเคตเคน
๐ฉ๐ช furchtbar
๐ฎ๐ฉ menyeramkan
๐บ๐ฆ ัััะฐัะฝะธะน
๐ต๐ฑ straszny
๐ฏ๐ต ๆใใใ
๐ซ๐ท effrayant
๐ช๐ธ espantoso
๐น๐ท korkunรง
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌด์์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุฎูู
๐จ๐ฟ straลกnรฝ
๐ธ๐ฐ straลกnรฝ
๐จ๐ณ ๅฏๆ็
๐ธ๐ฎ grozljiv
๐ฎ๐ธ hrรฆรฐilegur
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพัาัะฝัััั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแแจแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ dษhลษtli
๐ฒ๐ฝ espantoso