affrighten

transitive verb

af·​fright·​en
ə-ˈfrī-tᵊn
-ed/-ing/-s

Word History

Etymology

affright entry 1 + -en entry 2 (after frighten)

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of affrighten was in 1615

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near affrighten

Cite this Entry

“Affrighten.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affrighten. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!