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Definition of frightful

frightful

/ˈfɹaɪt.fəl/
fright · ful
Adverb:frightfully
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frightful Lexical Profile

frightful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing intense fear, alarm, or shock; terrifying.

Example

"The climbers heard a frightful roar echoing from the mountain pass as the avalanche began."

2

Extremely unpleasant, bad, or annoying (often used informally as an intensifier).

Example

"The commuters were delayed for two hours because of the frightful traffic on the bridge."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for frightful

• Nearby Words

frightened
frightening
frighteningly
frightful
frightfully
frightfulness
frigid

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'frightful', formed from the Old English noun 'fryhtu' (fear, trembling) combined with the suffix '-ful'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Frightful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/frightful
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