frighten
verb (used with object)
to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare.
have frightened
-
present perfectof frighten.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.
But on Friday night, the booms and blasts of celebratory fireworks appear to have frightened them away.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 6, 2025
She said that she had always felt secure at the school and that it would have frightened her to arrive back at a place that looked totally different.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 30, 2023
The deaths of Asra and Amaal have frightened and devastated Saudi women in Australia.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2022
The economic devastation and behavioral impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak have frightened all of us.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 4, 2022
“That’s good. Seeing me vanish would have frightened her.”
From "Kindred" by Octavia Butler
