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
Ms Abbott, who is currently suspended from sitting as a Labour MP, said the comments were "frightening".
From BBC ● Mar. 12, 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
The first days of the new year were frightening because without Minnijean we realized any one or all of us could be next.
From "Warriors Don't Cry: A Searing Memoir of the Battle to Integrate Little Rock's Central High" by Melba Pattillo Beals
