Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [frahyt-n]
- /ˈfraɪt n/
- /ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [frahyt-n]
- /ˈfraɪt n/
Definitions of frightening word
- verb with object frightening to make afraid or fearful; throw into a fright; terrify; scare. 1
- verb with object frightening to drive (usually followed by away, off, etc.) by scaring: to frighten away pigeons from the roof. 1
- verb without object frightening to become frightened: a timid child who frightens easily. 1
- noun frightening Making someone afraid or anxious; terrifying. 1
- adjective frightening scary 1
- adjective frightening If something is frightening, it makes you feel afraid, anxious, or nervous. 0
Information block about the term
Origin of frightening
First appearance:
before 1660 One of the 46% oldest English words
First recorded in 1660-70; fright + -en1
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Frightening
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
frightening popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 79% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.
frightening usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for frightening
adj frightening
- formidable — causing fear, apprehension, or dread: a formidable opponent.
- redoubtable — that is to be feared; formidable.
- disheartening — to depress the hope, courage, or spirits of; discourage.
- daunting — Something that is daunting makes you feel slightly afraid or worried about dealing with it.
- rebarbative — causing annoyance, irritation, or aversion; repellent.
adjective frightening
- scary — causing fright or alarm.
- terrifying — to fill with terror or alarm; make greatly afraid.
- alarming — Something that is alarming makes you feel afraid or anxious that something unpleasant or dangerous might happen.
- startling — creating sudden alarm, surprise, or wonder; astonishing.
- upsetting — overturned: an upset milk pail.
general frightening
- cowing — to frighten with threats, violence, etc.; intimidate; overawe.
noun frightening
- intimidation — to make timid; fill with fear.
Antonyms for frightening
adj frightening
- comforting — If you say that something is comforting, you mean it makes you feel less worried or unhappy.
adjective frightening
- soothing — that soothes: a soothing voice.
Top questions with frightening
- what is the most frightening ride at disney world?
- what is the meaning of frightening?
- what is another word for frightening?
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with f
- Words starting with fr
- Words starting with fri
- Words starting with frig
- Words starting with frigh
- Words starting with fright
- Words starting with frighte
- Words starting with frighten
- Words starting with frighteni
- Words starting with frightenin
- Words starting with frightening