frighten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frighten" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the act of causing someone to feel fear or anxiety. Example: "The sudden loud noise was enough to frighten the children playing outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of the decisions Cameron has taken since his re-election, the one that should frighten Labour the most is the appointment of Robert Halfon, MP for Harlow, to work on a review of Tory structures.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even these security measures require both expertise and commitment, and Hancock fears that privacy concerns will frighten some users, particularly older people, away from the internet.

The Guardian

There is an unheard underclass who scorn politicians, laugh out loud at the local paper, frighten the middle class with their potentially threatening swagger, and continue to support two of the fallen giants of fubble, City and Rovers.

The Guardian

She says the FBI is simply trying "to frighten people who are involved in struggles today".

The Guardian - Books

The idea of these bigoted throwbacks to several centuries ago holding the balance of power should surely frighten even moderate Tories, let alone the rest of us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Citing the videos of his client, Cohen warned jurors not to let prosecutors "intimidate you and to frighten you into returning verdicts not based upon evidence, but fear".

The Guardian

We were told to avert our eyes and to watch from the sidelines in this battle to make us safe, in the Hobbesian contract to frighten us into surrendering our freedoms.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's absolutely harassment; it's absolutely designed to intimidate, to scare, to frighten you; and it's absolutely an issue we need to see both technology companies and police understand is part of the modern world," she said.

The Guardian

Trolling is recreational abuse – usually anonymous – intended to waste the subject's time or get a rise out of them or frustrate or frighten them into silence.

The Guardian

How dare they frighten those who are relying on the NHS right now?" The prime minister also made a rhetorical land grab onto Labour terrain, saying "we in this party are a trade union.

The Guardian

They are just designed to frighten the voters before the election.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "frighten", consider the degree of fear you want to convey. Alternatives like "scare" or "terrify" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "frighten" when a milder term like "surprise" is more accurate. Overstating the level of fear can sound unnatural or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The verb "frighten" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It expresses the action of instilling fear in someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely recognized and accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "frighten" is a versatile verb used to describe the act of instilling fear. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. While generally neutral, context dictates its precise nuance and intensity. It appears most commonly in news and media, suggesting a broad applicability. Remember to consider alternatives like "scare" or "terrify" based on the desired degree of fear, and avoid exaggerating the emotional impact in your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "frighten" to enhance your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scare

A more general and less intense term for causing fear.

terrify

Suggests a higher degree of fear than "frighten".

cause fear

A more descriptive and less direct way of expressing "frighten".

make afraid

A simple and direct alternative to "frighten".

intimidate

Implies using fear to control or influence someone.

alarm

Highlights the sudden sense of danger or threat.

unnerve

Means to cause someone to lose confidence or feel anxious.

startle

Refers to causing a sudden shock or surprise.

petrify

Implies such intense fear that it immobilizes someone.

daunt

Suggests discouraging or intimidating someone from doing something.

FAQs

How can I use "frighten" in a sentence?

You can use "frighten" to describe the act of causing someone to feel fear or anxiety. For example: "The sudden loud noise was enough to frighten the children playing outside."

What can I say instead of "frighten"?

You can use alternatives like "scare", "terrify", or "alarm" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "frighten" or "scare"?

Both "frighten" and "scare" are correct, but "scare" is generally considered less formal and more common in everyday speech.

What's the difference between "frighten" and "intimidate"?

"Frighten" means to cause someone to feel fear, while "intimidate" implies using fear to control or influence someone.