'affright' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'affrighten,' where 'af-' was an intensifying prefix and 'frighten' meant 'to frighten.'

'affrighten' transformed into the modern English word 'affright,' and eventually became the adjective 'affrighted.'

Initially, it meant 'to cause fear,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'filled with fear or dread.'