frighten

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   cause fear in

   The stranger who hangs around the building frightens me

2. 2
   verb

   To cause to feel fear; to scare; to cause to feel alarm or fright.

   Avery puts a sheet over her head, pretending to be a ghost to frighten Emily.

3. 3
   verb

   To become scared or alarmed.

   In fitting the White Leghorns for exhibition, it must be remembered that they are of nervous disposition and frighten easily.

4. 4
   verb

   drive out by frightening

Etymology

From Middle English *frightenen, equivalent to fright + -en.