adj.
Pronunciation: ' fr ī t-f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 1607
1 : causing intense fear or alarm : TERRIFYING
2 : startling especially in being bad or objectionable <a frightful novel>
3 : EXTREME < frightful thirst>
– fright · ful · ly \ -f ə -l ē \ adverb
– fright · ful · ness noun