# abraid

CEFR C2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abraid
Updated: 2026-06-22

## Definition

to make someone feel afraid or worried. It is an old word that people do not use much today.

For teachers: to cause fear or alarm in someone. Primarily found in archaic or literary contexts; the modern equivalent is 'abash' or 'frighten'.

## Examples

- The loud thunder began to abraid the children.
- The sudden appearance of the storm clouds began to abraid the sailors, who had hoped for a calm night.
- The speaker's nervous stammer began to abraid the audience, shifting the atmosphere from one of eager anticipation to a tense silence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.