1.
to be frightened, to be scared, to cower
To feel fear or terror, often showing visible signs of being afraid. Used for both sudden fright and ongoing anxiety or dread.
子供たちは雷に怯えていた。
The children were frightened of the thunder.
犬が花火の音に怯えて隠れた。
The dog cowered and hid, frightened by the fireworks.
怯えた目で彼を見た。
She looked at him with frightened eyes.
Uses attributive form
TRANSITIVITY: 自動詞 (intransitive). No pair verb. Pattern: Xに怯える (be frightened of/by X).
ASPECT: ている indicates ongoing state of fear. 怯えている = 'is scared' or 'is living in fear.'
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 恐怖に怯える (cower in fear)
- 影に怯える (be afraid of shadows; figuratively, be paranoid)
- 怯えた様子 (frightened appearance)
SIMILAR WORDS: 恐がる is more casual and common; 怯える emphasizes visible signs of fear or cowering.