arch. [a late formation, on FRIGHT v., with A- pref. 11 (written af-); doubtless partly due to the pre-existing ppl. adj. AFFRIGHT; see prec.] To frighten, to terrify. To affright from: to deter from. (Now only poetical for the prose FRIGHTEN.)
1589. Nashe, in Greene’s Menaphon (Arb.), 13. So terrible was his stile … as would have affrighted our peaceable Poets, from intermedling hereafter, with that quarrelling kinde of verse.
1593. Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., I. iv. 43. The Scar-Crow that affrights our children so.
1611. Heywood, Gold. Age, II. i. 24. You afright me with your steele.
1675. T. Brooks, Gold. Key, Wks. 1867, V. 129. To affright people from vicious practices.
1722. De Foe, Moll Fl. (1840), 102. Terrifying and affrighting me with threats.
1878. B. Taylor, Pr. Deukalion, IV. iv. 158. Never a wolf affrights them Here in the pasture’s peace.
