Frightened: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：scared (frightened)

frightened 🔊

/ˈfraɪtnd/

adj.

Feeling scared because you think something bad might happen.

scared 🔊

➕

/skɛrd/

adj.

Feeling fear or anxiety because of a perceived threat or danger, often resulting in a desire to flee or avoid the situation.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Root 'fright' (fear) + -en (verb suffix) + -ed (past participle).

💡 Mnemonic

A bright light ends suddenly, causing fright. Fright + end = frightened.

📖 Example

The little boy was frightened of the dark and always slept with a nightlight on. 🔊 The little boy was frightened of the dark and always slept with a nightlight on.

🔗 Collocations

be frightened of – to fear someone or something

feel frightened – to experience fear

frightened by – caused to be afraid by something specific

🔄 Synonyms

scared (adj.) – Feeling fear; easily frightened.

terrified (adj.) – Extremely frightened.

alarmed (adj.) – Feeling sudden fear or worry.

🚫 Antonyms

brave (adj.) – Ready to face and endure danger or pain.

fearless (adj.) – Lacking fear; bold.

calm (adj.) – Not showing or feeling nervousness or anger.

🌱 Derivatives

frighten (v.) – To cause someone to feel fear.

frightening (adj.) – Causing fear.

fright (n.) – A sudden intense feeling of fear.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English 'fyrhto' meaning fear. The verb 'frighten' emerged in the 17th century, later forming the adjective 'frightened'.