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

'affrighten' transformed into the modern English word 'affrightment' through the addition of the suffix '-ment' to denote a state or condition.

Initially, it meant 'to cause fear,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the state of being frightened.'