Fright

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Fright

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun and verb

Pronunciation

fryt  /fraɪt/

Definition

As a noun: a sudden intense feeling of fear; a person or thing that is alarming or shocking in appearance. As a verb (archaic or dialectal): to frighten.

Plain meaning

A fright is a sudden shock of fear — you gave me a fright, what a fright I had. Also used colloquially of someone who looks alarming: she looked a fright.

Register

Neutral to informal. Fright is slightly more vivid and specific than fear. The colloquial appearance sense is informal and British.