frightful

adjective

fright·​ful ˈfrīt-fəl 

1

: causing intense fear or alarm : terrifying

2

: startling especially in being bad or objectionable

a frightful novel

3

: extreme

frightful thirst

frightfully

ˈfrīt-fə-lē 

adverb

frightfulness noun

Synonyms

• alarming
• dire
• direful
• dread
• dreadful
• fearful
• fearsome
• forbidding
• formidable
• frightening
• ghastly
• hair-raising
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrifying
• intimidating
• redoubtable
• scary
• shocking
• spine-chilling
• terrible
• terrifying

Examples of frightful in a Sentence

As he fell, he let out a frightful scream.

a frightful illness that causes extreme pain

The children made a frightful mess of the kitchen.

Many critics have expressed shock at the song's frightful lyrics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Collection Tim Burton isn’t exactly underrepresented on this list, but his second Batman movie is too filled with twinkles and tinsel not to include, even if its mood is ultimately more frightful than festive. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

Comments When the weather outside is frightful, watching TV is so delightful! —James Mercadante, EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024

When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delightful than walking inside a hotel that’s been decked out in holiday cheer. —Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Considering that the weather outside isn’t exactly frightful during the winter months in SoCal, our concert calendar manages to keep our social lives plenty warm in between all the extra meals and family gatherings scheduled to descend upon us in the coming days. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

fright entry 1 + -ful entry 1

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

frightful

adjective

fright·​ful ˈfrīt-fəl 

1

: causing fear or alarm

2

: causing shock or horror

a frightful novel

3

: very strong

a frightful thirst

frightfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

frightfulness noun