Frighten, v. t. [imp. Frightened; p. pr. & vb. n. Frightening.] — Webster enters it under “frighten”
Etymology: [See Fright, v. t.]
To disturb with fear; to throw into a state of alarm or fright; to affright; to terrify. More frightened than hurt. Old Proverb.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists frightened only as an antonym, under brave.
Where he writes about it:
One is frightened by a cause of fear addressed directly and suddenly to the senses; he is intimidated by an apprehension of contingent consequences dependent on some act of his own to be done or forborne; the means of intimidation may act through the senses, or may appeal only to the intellect or the sensibilities. — from frighten
Synonyms
none given