Fright'ful, a.
a. 1. Full of fright or terror; alarmed. See how the frightful herds run from the wood. W. Browne.
Sense 2. Full of that which causes fright; exciting alarm; impressing terror; as, a frightful chasm or precipice; a frightful tempest.
Synonyms—Terrible; dreadful; alarming; fearful; terrific; awful; horrid; horrible; shocking.—FRIGHTFUL, DREADFUL, AWFUL. These words all express fear. In frightful, it is a sudden emotion; in dreadful, it is deeper and more prolonged; in awful, the fear is mingled with the emotion of awe, which subdues us before the presence of some invisible power. An accident may be frightful; the approach of death is dreadful to most men; the convulsions of the earthquake are awful.
Death was denounced,—that frightful sound Which even the best can hardly bear. Dryden.
The rigid interdiction which resounds Yet dreadful in mine ear. Milton.
Nor have feared Thy awful brow, more awful than retired, Fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair! Milton.