frighten
verb (used with object)
to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare.
is frightening
-
present progressiveof frighten (3rd person singular).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.
He says a dystopian future like the one portrayed in the film is "frightening to think about" but "it's something we have to examine and remember, because we are on the cusp of these realities".
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
“And that is frightening to consider,” a former White House staffer admitted to me.
From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2026
For many autistic people, even a slim prospect of an unwanted encounter with law enforcement or an emergency room is frightening.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 1, 2026
Season 1 was Peacock’s most-watched show ever, which is frightening.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 27, 2026
Remembering how my mother looked before she gave birth to my sister is frightening.
From "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes
