► frightened having feelings of fear: The dog was frightened and hid under the bed. She was too frightened to testify against the man that attacked her.
► afraid afraid means the same as frightened, but sounds less formal: I’m afraid to go out alone after dark.
► scared scared means the same as frightened but is used in more informal or spoken language: Are you scared of dogs?
► terrified very frightened: I’m terrified of heights.
► petrified extremely frightened, often so that you cannot move: The kids were petrified when they heard the noise.
► alarmed suddenly very worried and frightened because you realize there is a problem or danger: Her parents were alarmed when she didn’t come home on time.
► intimidated feeling worried or afraid because you do not have enough confidence to deal with a situation: I was intimidated by all the college kids I was competing against.
► fearful formal frightened of something that could happen in the future: Even doctors are fearful of getting the disease.
► panic-stricken so frightened that you cannot think clearly or behave sensibly: Panic-stricken parents rushed to the school after the earthquake.
► phobic formal having very strong and unreasonable fears: My mother, who was phobic about leaving the apartment, never ventured outdoors.