frightful

pronunciation

How to pronounce frightful in British English: UK [ˈfraɪtfl] word uk audio image

How to pronounce frightful in American English: US [ˈfraɪtfəl] word us audio image

Adjective:

provoking horror
extreme in degree
extremely distressing

Word Origin

frightful (adj.): mid-13c., "timid, fearful, full of terror," from fright (n.) + -ful. The prevailing modern sense of "alarming, full of occasion for fright" is from c. 1600. Meaning "dreadful, horrible, shocking" (often hyperbolic) is attested from c. 1700; Johnson noted it as "a cant word among women for anything unpleasing." Related: Frightfully; frightfulness. Middle English also had frighty "causing fear," also "afraid" (mid-13c.).

Synonym

adj.

amazing distressing fearful formidable outrageous grievous redoubtable awful terrible fearsome surprising startling terrifying dark dire threatening grim dreadful appalling baleful shocking harrowing

adj.

unpleasing unpleasant disagreeable

adj.

horrid horrible repulsive repugnant horrendous revolting nasty hideous unspeakable detestable abhorrent disgusting ghastly atrocious odious gruesome monstrous grisly loathsome vile abominable

Example

1. We 're having frightful weather this week .

2. Steve is the most frightful bore .

3. That was a frightful january .

4. It was incurring a frightful risk to go to his assistance ; not one of the sailors , all fishermen of the coast , recently levied for the service , dared to attempt it .

5. War is a frightful calamity .

more: >How to Use "frightful" with Example Sentences