frightening

From frighten +‎ -ing.

• IPA^(key): /ˈfɹaɪtənɪŋ/, /ˈfɹaɪtnɪŋ/

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• Rhymes: -aɪtnɪŋ
• Hyphenation: fright‧en‧ing

frightening (comparative more frightening, superlative most frightening)

1. Causing fear; of capable of causing fear; scary.

   Riding the rollercoaster was a frightening experience.

   • 1966, “Cool McCool (theme song)”, Bernie Green (music) (Cool McCool (television series)), performed by Bob McFadden:

     The Owl is flying high, frightening to the eye.
     The Rattler is nearby, Cool is on the fly.
     Danger is his business.

2. (figuratively) Awful, terrible, very bad.

• Thesaurus:frightening

frightening

1. present participle and gerund of frighten

   The scientist was frightening the timid children.