Frightened vs. Terrified

Attribute	Frightened	Terrified
Definition	Feeling fear or anxiety	Intense fear or extreme fright
Intensity	Mild to moderate fear	Extreme fear
Physical Symptoms	Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling	Shaking, sweating, difficulty breathing
Duration	Temporary	Can be prolonged
Impact on Behavior	May avoid triggering stimuli	May freeze or flee in panic

Definition

When it comes to emotions, fear is a common experience that can manifest in different ways. Two common terms used to describe fear are "frightened" and "terrified." While both words convey a sense of fear or apprehension, there are subtle differences in their meanings and implications.

Intensity

One key difference between being frightened and being terrified is the level of intensity of the emotion. When someone is frightened, they may feel uneasy or nervous, but the fear is typically not overwhelming. On the other hand, being terrified implies a much higher level of fear, often causing a person to feel paralyzed or unable to think clearly.

Physical Symptoms

Another distinction between being frightened and being terrified is the physical symptoms that accompany these emotions. When someone is frightened, they may experience a racing heart, sweaty palms, or a sense of unease. However, when someone is terrified, the physical symptoms are often more severe, such as trembling, shortness of breath, or even a feeling of impending doom.

Duration

The duration of the fear is also an important factor to consider when comparing being frightened and being terrified. Frightened feelings are often short-lived and may dissipate once the perceived threat has passed. On the other hand, being terrified can linger for a longer period of time, causing ongoing distress and anxiety.

Causes

Both being frightened and being terrified can be triggered by various factors, such as a sudden loud noise, a scary movie, or a traumatic event. However, the intensity of the fear and the individual's perception of the threat can determine whether they feel frightened or terrified. For example, someone may be frightened by a spider crawling across the floor, while another person may be terrified of spiders and experience a much stronger reaction.

Response

How a person responds to being frightened or terrified can also differ. When someone is frightened, they may try to calm themselves down, rationalize the situation, or seek comfort from others. On the other hand, when someone is terrified, their response may be more extreme, such as screaming, running away, or freezing in place.

Impact

The impact of being frightened versus being terrified can vary as well. Frightened feelings may be easier to shake off and may not have a long-lasting effect on a person's mental well-being. However, being terrified can leave a person feeling traumatized, leading to ongoing fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder in some cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both being frightened and being terrified involve feelings of fear, there are distinct differences between the two. The intensity, physical symptoms, duration, causes, response, and impact of these emotions all play a role in how they are experienced and perceived. Understanding these differences can help individuals better cope with their fears and seek appropriate support when needed.