1. people or things that frighten or scare someone
Usage: plural form; informal
2. people hired to intimidate or threaten others, especially for criminal purposes
Usage: plural form; informal; chiefly British

Examples

• The horror movie was full of jump scares and frighteners designed to make the audience scream.
• He put on a scary mask to use as one of his Halloween frighteners.
• The gang sent frighteners to the shop owner to demand protection money.
• Children often have nightmares about the frighteners they saw in scary stories.
• The local crime boss employed frighteners to keep people in line.
• Loud noises and sudden movements are common frighteners for young children.