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frightening

adjective
fright·​en·​ing | \ ˈfrī-tᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce frightening (audio) , ˈfrīt-niŋ\

Definition of frightening

: causing fear frightening news a very frightening experience The man with red eyes made the frightening grimace that passed for his smile.— Madeleine L'Engle For a man who had tussled with crocs, venomous snakes and other frightening creatures, this was going to be a leisurely swim.— Jennifer Wulff et al.

First Known Use of frightening

1652, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for frightening

from present participle of frighten

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