Definition of: frighten

(frī′tn) v.t.
1. To throw into a state of fear or fright; terrify; scare.
2. To drive by scaring: with away or off.
—fright′en·er noun
—fright′en·ing adjective
—fright′en·ing·ly adverb Synonyms: affright, alarm, appal, browbeat, cow, daunt, dismay, intimidate, scare, terrify. The sudden rush of an armed madman may frighten; the quiet leveling of a highwayman's pistol intimidates. A savage beast is intimidated by the keeper's whip. Employers may intimidate their employees from voting contrary to their will by threat of discharge. To browbeat or cow is to bring into a state of submissive fear; to daunt is to give pause or check to a violent, threatening, or .even a brave spirit. To scare is to cause sudden, unnerving fear; to terrify is to awaken fear that is overwhelming. To appal (literally to make pale) is to overcome momentarily by some staggering or chilling fear or shocked repugnance; to dismay (literally to deprive of power) is to cause a sinking fear, make faint with dread or terror. Compare ALARM, FRIGHT.