frighten

/ˈfrī-tᵊn/

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verb

  1. to make afraid : terrify

  2. to drive or force by frightening

  3. to become frightened

The movie scene frightened the child.

phrasal verb

  1. to cause (someone or something) to go away or stay away because of fear

The dog frightened the prowler away.

phrasal verb

  1. to cause (someone) to do (something) because of fear

The insurance agent tried to frighten her into buying the most expensive flood insurance.