Definition of affrightnext

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affright
Verb
  • The aggressive approach deeply disrupted and frightened the participants.
    Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Penelope, too, is asked to occupy a landscape that frightens her, not only as a neurodivergent child in a neurotypical culture, but as a child now situated in an adult world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Smaller payouts scare off potential investors, meaning promising treatments are often left on a shelf.
    Brad Quick, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Historians say the horns may have been blown to scare evil spirits, to proclaim victories, or as a way to encourage divine mercy.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Jaylen Edgar, the teenager tried for the 2024 Halloween mass shooting in downtown Orlando that killed two, injured several others and terrified thousands, was found guilty of all charges Monday.
    Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • For Thomas, unpacking what went wrong goes well beyond the headless bodies, terrifying phone calls and dead ends.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.
    Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Affright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/affright. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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