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
David Letherman told BBC News NI it was frightening to see water come into the house through the door.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2026
I did it once, it was frightening, I broke the world record and it was great.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2025
Which allowed you to then—like Pamela Paul—talk about the new thing, which supposedly truly was frightening.
From Slate ● Jan. 5, 2025
How attached he was already — it was frightening how attached — just to her sound and presence, to her simple animal company.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
