frighten
verb (used with object)
to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare.
had frightened
-
past perfectof frighten.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
It was easier to avoid the water than to confront something that had frightened me since childhood.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
And every September, Alex and Christine began gently describing the events of 9/11 and how it had frightened many Americans but inspired others.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 15, 2021
“These were removed the following day after complaints that the information had frightened children at the bus stop,” she said.
From Washington Times ● May 7, 2021
Some years ago, a Puget Sound mink rancher lost a case in which he claimed that low-flying Navy planes had frightened his animals and caused several of the females to become sterile.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2016
The smoke and the soldiers had frightened them away.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
