frighten
verb (used with object)
to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare.
was frightening
-
past progressiveof frighten.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"First let me say, I like fireworks -- I think they're fun," Russell Dickerson, a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of Maryland told AFP, but said the number in question was "frightening."
From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026
"It was frightening but I'm glad patients and staff are all okay."
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2025
“It kind of felt like attacks were inevitable to happen, but actually seeing that was frightening and worrisome for me,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2025
Which allowed you to then—like Pamela Paul—talk about the new thing, which supposedly truly was frightening.
From Slate ● Jan. 5, 2025
The next rescue was frightening in a different way.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
