frighten
verb (used with object)
to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare.
has frightened
-
present perfectof frighten (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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 tell Bunbury that his music has frightened me at times.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2025
But it is not just fear of the Taliban that has frightened the shelter operators and their clients this time.
From New York Times ● Sep. 4, 2021
And it has frightened and bewildered many parents, unsure how to protect their kids.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 28, 2021
The discussion of the punitive guidance has frightened medical staff at all levels, said Hughes.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 5, 2016
Something within their territory has frightened them—the intrusion of an enemy, the assault of a dominant animal, a startling noise—and set off a flight reaction.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
