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.
The mother of a baby who fell ill on holiday and cannot get home has said "every day is frightening and uncertain".
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
AI’s threat to safety, national security and computer networks is frightening, but we have ample experience regulating the negative side effects of otherwise helpful products.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
In general, that intensity is frightening and strong enough to be felt by everyone.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026
“And that is frightening to consider,” a former White House staffer admitted to me.
From Salon ● Apr. 17, 2026
He does not know what the boundary is, and he can get no explanation of it, which is frightening enough, but the fear he hears in the voices of his elders is more frightening still.
From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin
