frighten
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈfraɪtən/
KK: /fraɪtən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become scared or afraid.
Example
The loud noise frightened the children.
Tense Forms
Past: frightened
Past Participle: frightened
Conversation
Did you hear that noise outside last night?
Yeah, it really frightened me!
I thought it was just my imagination at first.
Same here, but it turned out to be a big storm.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
startle
scare
alarm
Antonyms
calm
comfort
soothe
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone feel afraid or scared.
Example
The loud noise frightened the children.
Tense Forms
Past: frightened
Past Participle: frightened
Conversation
Did you hear that loud noise last night?
Yeah, it really frightened me!
Same here, I thought it was something serious.
Root Explanation
Frighten → It is formed from "fright" (from Old English *fyrht*, meaning fear) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs). The word "frighten" means to cause someone to feel fear or to scare them.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for fear, 'fyrht', to remember that 'frighten' means to make someone feel afraid.
Visually Confused Words
righten
refrighten
brighten
prefrighten
freightment
retighten
relighten
freighter