frightful etymology

Etymology

The word "frightful" comes from the Old English word "frihtlic," meaning "full of fear" or "terrible." It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root frihtanaz, meaning "to frighten" or "to terrify." This root is also the origin of the words "fear," "fright," and "terror."

Meaning and Origin

"Frightful" means causing great fear or terror. It is often used to describe something that is terrifying, shocking, or horrific. The word was first used in the 13th century and has remained in common usage ever since.

Examples of Use

• The thunderstorm was so frightful that it made the children cry.
• The sight of the car crash was frightful.
• The movie was so frightful that I couldn't sleep afterwards.

frightful relate terms

• fright

  Etymology of Fright Origin Old English fyrhto nominative singular Meaning Fear t

• fear

  Etymology Fear derives from the Middle English word fere meaning sudden fright or

• fight

  Etymology From Middle English fighten fighte from Old English feohtan to fight f

• full

  Etymology Sanskrit pratipaksha prati against paksha side Meaning Opponen

• tremendous

  Etymology From Middle English tremend from Old French tremend from Latin tremendus p

• gash

  Etymology The word gash is derived from Old English wærcian to become sore which

• dread

  Etymology Old English drædan to fear to be afraid Proto Germanic drad to fear

• bold

  Etymology From Middle English bold bolde from Old English beald bald bold brave

• ghost

  Etymology Old English gāst ultimately derived from Proto Germanic gaistaz Cognate wi

• ABBA

  Etymology ABBA is an acronym formed from the first letters of the surnames of the four b

• pregnant

  Etymology The word pregnant originates from the Latin word praegnans which means b

• salary

  Etymology The word salary comes from the Latin word salarium which originally refer

• reciprocal

  Etymology The word reciprocal is derived from the Latin word reciprocus which means