épouvanter

Senses

1. 1.

   to terrify, to frighten

   to cause someone to feel intense fear or dread

2. 2.

   to appall, to horrify

   to shock or dismay someone with something unacceptable

Examples

• "Cette histoire d'horreur a épouvanté les enfants."

  This horror story terrified the children.

• "La violence de ces images nous a tous épouvanté."

  The violence of these images appalled all of us.

• "Rien ne peut l'épouvanter ; il est très courageux."

  Nothing can frighten him; he is very brave.

Usage

A somewhat formal or literary verb, stronger and more emphatic than "faire peur". Often used in passive constructions (être épouvanté) or with reflexive forms. Commonly paired with adjectives like "terrifié" or "horrifié".