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

Seized with affright, the princess recoiled to where an ivory crucifix gleamed on a black velvet background.

From Project Gutenberg

Then she started, grew crimson, and looked round in affright: had she said something she should not have said?

From Project Gutenberg

Jacky's answer made Mary scream with affright, and startled even Jem's iron nerves for a moment.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as she heard the song, with a cry of affright, she ordered Bouchibus to catch the pigeon and make a stew of it.

From Project Gutenberg

Thy gushing tears in torrents flow,Thy bosom pants in wild affright!

From Project Gutenberg