frighten
verb (used with object)
to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare.
were 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.
The early details were frightening enough, but very quickly turned utterly catastrophic.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 2, 2024
The bunkers were frightening, with players unsure if the ball would settle in the middle or be up against the revetted, sodden walls.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 20, 2023
But land auctions were frightening for the formerly enslaved who had once been sold at auction themselves.
From Scientific American ● Apr. 6, 2023
He said the letters were "frightening and deeply offensive to Lord Sugar", adding: "Society will not tolerate behaviour such as yours."
From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2022
Lovely as they were to look at, the Sierras were frightening to think about, an icy barricade.
From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston
