Affright

(af-frīt'), v. t. [imp. & p. p. AFFRIGHTED; p. pr. & vb. n. AFFRIGHTING.] [A-S. afyrhtan, aforhtian, frihtan, to frighten; fyrhtan, forhtyan, to fear. See FRIGHT.] To impress with sudden fear; to frighten; to alarm. “Dreams affright our souls.” Shak.

A drear and dying sound Affrights the flamens at their service quaint. Milton.

Synonyms—To terrify; frighten; alarm; dismay; daunt; intimidate; appall; shock; confound; dishearten; dispirit.

(ăf-frīt'), n. 1. Sudden and great fear; terror. “He looks behind him with affright, and forward with despair.” Goldsmith. ☞ It expresses a stronger impression than fear, or apprehension, perhaps less than terror. 2. The cause of terror; a frightful object. “By sending these affrights.” B. Jonson.