frightened

adjective

fright·​ened ˈfrī-tᵊnd 

: feeling fear : made to feel afraid

a badly frightened child

The farmer was hurrying out into the road, and his wife was standing at the gate, looking very frightened.

—Anna Sewell

Synonyms of frightened

• afraid
• terrified
• scared
• horrified
• alarmed
• shocked
• fearful

Examples of frightened in a Sentence

I am frightened of the dark

Recent Examples on the Web

Fetch Foster Rescue has taken in animals from households whose homes were completely destroyed, and the organization’s immediate focus is keeping those frightened pets as relaxed as possible while storm cleanup continues across the community. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026

Witnesses describe the dogs as frightened and wary rather than dangerous — a pair of scared animals looking for food, not a fight. —Ryan Brennan april 21, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026

Angel is frightened, but Rue promises to come back for her. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Apr. 2026

Videos shared on social media showed multiple fights breaking out in front of an outdoor bar area, followed by a frightened crowd of dozens running away. —ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of frighten

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing frightened

• scared/frightened the dickens

Rhymes for frightened

• enlightened
• brightened
• heightened
• lightened
• tightened
• unenlightened