(v) cause fear in, See Also: frighten off, frighten away, Syn. scare, fright, affright, Example:The stranger who hangs around the building frightens me; Ghosts could never affright her
(adv) in an alarming manner, Syn. scarily, Example:the disturbing thing about the Minister's behavior is that far from being artificial, it too often rings frighteningly true
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
v. t. [ imp. Frightened p. pr. & vb. n. Frightening ] [ See Fright, v. t. ] To disturb with fear; to throw into a state of alarm or fright; to affright; to terrify. [ 1913 Webster ]
More frightened than hurt. Old Proverb. [ 1913 Webster ]