What does affrightment mean?
Affrightment is a noun that refers to a feeling of intense fear or alarm, often caused by a sudden or unexpected event. It is a collective or widespread feeling, rather than an individual's personal fear. Affrightment can be used to describe a sense of alarm or apprehension that is not necessarily based on a rational or logical fear. The word is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a sense of dread or terror. In everyday language, affrightment is not commonly used, but it can be an effective way to describe a strong emotional response to a frightening or alarming event. The word has been in use since the 15th century, and its etymology is related to the Old French word 'affrayer', meaning 'to frighten' or 'to alarm'. Affrightment is a useful word for describing a strong emotional response to a frightening or alarming event, and it can be an effective way to add depth and nuance to one's writing or conversation.
nounA feeling of intense fear or alarm, often caused by a sudden or unexpected event.
- A feeling of intense fear or alarm, often caused by a sudden or unexpected event.
"The news of the natural disaster caused widespread affrightment among the population."
"The news of the natural disaster caused widespread affrightment among the population."
"The affrightment in her eyes was palpable as she watched the horror movie."
The plural form 'affrightments' is used to describe multiple instances of affrightment, such as a series of frightening events.
"The series of natural disasters caused widespread affrightments among the population."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of affrightment
The word 'affrightment' originated in the 15th century from the Old French word 'affrayer', meaning 'to frighten' or 'to alarm'. The word is derived from the Latin words 'ad' and 'frigere', meaning 'to frighten' or 'to chill'. The word has been in use since the 15th century, and its etymology is related to the idea of being frightened or alarmed by a sudden or unexpected event.
How affrightment is actually used
Affrightment is often used to describe a collective or widespread feeling of fear, rather than an individual's personal fear. It can also be used to describe a sense of alarm or apprehension that is not necessarily based on a rational or logical fear.