frightening
word · lemma: frighten
/ˈfɹaɪtənɪŋ/
FRY-duh-ning
/fɹˈaɪtənɪŋ/
FRY-tuh-ning
Definition
Something that is frightening makes you feel afraid, scared, or very nervous.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used for situations, events, or things (not people). Common collocations: 'a frightening experience', 'frightening movie', 'frightening speed'. Stronger than 'scary'. Not formal, but not slang.
Spanish: aterrador - espeluznantePortuguese (BR): assustador - aterrorizantePortuguese (PT): assustador - aterradorChinese (Simplified): 令人害怕的 - 可怕的Chinese (Traditional): 令人害怕的 - 可怕的Hindi: डरावना - भयावहArabic: مخيف - مفزعBengali: ভয়ঙ্কর - আতঙ্কজনকRussian: ужасающий - пугающийJapanese: 恐ろしい - ぞっとするようなVietnamese: đáng sợ - kinh hoàngKorean: 무서운 - 두려운Turkish: korkutucu - ürkütücüUrdu: خوفناک - ہولناکIndonesian: menakutkan - mengerikan
Example Sentences
That was a frightening sound last night.
basic
The movie was too frightening for children.
basic
It is frightening to be alone in the dark.
basic
The storm last night was honestly frightening.
natural
It's frightening how fast technology is changing these days.
natural
His voice became frightening when he was angry.
natural