affright

[ uh-frahyt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to frighten.

noun

1. sudden fear or terror; fright.
2. a source of terror.
3. the act of terrifying.

affright

/ əˈfraɪt /

verb

1. tr to frighten

noun

1. a sudden terror

Other Words From

• self-af·frighted adjective
• unaf·frighted adjective
• unaf·frighted·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of affright¹

before 1000; Middle English afrighten, Old English āfyrhtan, equivalent to ā- a- ³ + fyrhtan to fright

Word History and Origins

Origin of affright¹

Old English āfyrhtan, from a-, a prefix indicating the beginning or end of an action + fyrhtan to fright

Example Sentences

Entire towns and neighborhoods need not be affrighted They may complain of lack of power, but they’ll safely be delighted.

From Washington Post

I like it not, and I have grave doubts; but I fear to affright her, and so I am silent of it.

From Literature

The left eye delved narrowly into the past while the right gazed wide and affrighted into a future of blackness, error, and ruin.

From Literature

So the girls don’t say nothing, staring at each other all affrighted.

From Literature

They look up, and see a blur of color and affrighted movement as a flock of birds takes flight, disturbing the leaves.

From Literature