Frighten/ˈfraɪtn/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Intensity Varies Frighten can mean slightly scared to very scared, depending on context. The spooky story didn't really frighten me, just made me a bit uneasy. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Real Frighten doesn't require a real threat, imagined ones work too. She was frightened by the shadows, even though they were harmless. Pro Tip 3/3Physical Response Being frightened can cause a physical reaction, like jumping or screaming. He was so frightened that he leapt from his seat.