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
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
Thomas’s mouth was so swollen that he felt that he would have frightened the viewing audience tuning in for Game 2 on Tuesday night.
From Washington Post ● May 2, 2017
He would have frightened anyone, and he did.
From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya
