frighten
verb (used with object)
to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare.
are frightening
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present progressiveof frighten.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I don’t know who authorized the chief of the French defense staff to make such statements, which are frightening and cause anxiety,” National Rally Vice President Sébastien Chenu told French TV.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 27, 2025
But while these stories are frightening, the way that the concept of “cults” has migrated into pop culture has, in my view, effectively disarmed the term.
From Salon ● May 18, 2025
Kristian Riesbeck considers the results are frightening, but not unexpected.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 25, 2024
If that happens too often, it can reinforce the sense that you’re out of control and that feelings themselves are frightening.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 29, 2024
“You are frightening her. It is nothing, Marie-Laure. Come now.”
From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
