frighten

Definition

  • verb: to cause (someone) to become afraid
  • verb: to make afraid
  • synonyms: terrify, affright, fright

Examples

  • The story nearly 'frightened me to death'. = The story nearly 'frightened the life out of' me. [=the story frightened me very badly]

  • The insurance agent tried to 'frighten' her 'into' buying the most expensive flood insurance.

  • Bad economic news has 'frightened' people 'out of' putting their money in the stock market.

Movie clips

Movie quotes