'affright' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'affrighten,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'frighten' meant 'to scare.'

'affrighten' changed from the Old English word 'afyrhtan' and eventually became the modern English word 'affright.'

Initially, it meant 'to scare or frighten,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.