Frighten (verb)

1. Cause (someone) to feel afraid or scared.
2. Cause (a person or animal) to run away in fear.

Origin:

Middle english: from old english fyrhtan "terrorize", of germanic origin; related to fear.

Examples:

1. The noise frightened me.
2. The dog was frightened by the thunder.
3. The children were frightened by the storm.
4. The movie frightened her.
5. He frightened the intruder away.