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espanto

fright

noun es-PAHN-toh Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Also means

terror

Usage Note

Espanto is a stronger, more visceral word than miedo (fear); it conveys sudden shock or horror. The exclamation ¡qué espanto! (how awful! / how horrifying!) is very common in everyday speech. In some Latin American cultures, espanto also names a folk illness caused by severe fright, treated by traditional healers.

Examples

"El espanto le dejó sin habla por unos segundos."

Natural Translation

The fright left him speechless for a few seconds.

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