At the A1 level, you are just beginning to express emotions. While 'amedrontado' might be a bit advanced, you should recognize it as a word related to 'medo' (fear). At this stage, you focus on simple sentences like 'Eu estou amedrontado' (I am frightened). You learn that Portuguese adjectives change based on gender. If you are a boy, you say 'amedrontado'; if you are a girl, you say 'amedrontada'. You might use this word to describe how you feel during a loud thunderstorm or when seeing a big dog for the first time. It is a more 'grown-up' way of saying 'estou com medo'. You should practice connecting this word with the verb 'estar', which we use for feelings that can change. Don't worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the basic meaning: feeling scared. You can think of it as the Portuguese version of the word 'frightened'. By learning this word early, you start building a vocabulary that goes beyond the most basic terms, making your Portuguese sound more natural and expressive from the start.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'amedrontado' in more varied contexts. You can describe not only yourself but also other people, animals, and characters in stories. You should be comfortable with plural forms: 'Eles estão amedrontados' (They are frightened). You will also start using the verb 'ficar' to show a change in emotion: 'Ele ficou amedrontado quando viu a cobra' (He became frightened when he saw the snake). At this level, you begin to see 'amedrontado' in simple reading passages or hear it in basic conversations about feelings. You should understand that it is stronger than 'assustado' (startled). You can now add simple reasons for the fear using 'com': 'Estou amedrontado com o exame' (I am frightened by the exam). This is also the stage where you should be careful not to confuse 'amedrontado' with 'medroso'. Remember: 'amedrontado' is how you feel right now, while 'medroso' is a personality trait. Practice using it to describe pictures of people looking scared to reinforce the connection between the word and the visual emotion.
At the B1 level, you move beyond physical fear and start using 'amedrontado' to describe psychological and social states. You can talk about being 'amedrontado' by abstract concepts, like the future, a difficult decision, or a complex social situation. Your sentences become more sophisticated: 'Apesar de estar amedrontado, ele decidiu enfrentar o desafio' (Despite being frightened, he decided to face the challenge). You should also be able to recognize the word in news reports or more detailed stories. You begin to understand the nuances between 'amedrontado', 'receoso' (apprehensive), and 'apavorado' (terrified). At B1, you are expected to use the word in the past tense correctly: 'Eu estava amedrontado ontem' (I was frightened yesterday). You might also start using it in passive-like structures: 'O povo foi amedrontado pelas ameaças' (The people were frightened by the threats). This is the level where you start to appreciate the word's ability to convey a sense of intimidation or being overwhelmed, which is useful for discussing more complex topics like work stress or social pressure.
At the B2 level, you use 'amedrontado' with greater precision and in more formal settings. You understand its role in creating atmosphere in writing and can use it to describe collective emotions. For example, 'O mercado financeiro ficou amedrontado com a instabilidade política' (The financial market became frightened with the political instability). You are now comfortable using various adverbs to modify the word: 'profundamente amedrontado', 'visivelmente amedrontado', 'totalmente amedrontado'. You can also use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as with the subjunctive: 'Duvido que ele esteja amedrontado' (I doubt he is frightened). At this level, you should be able to discuss the etymology of the word (connecting it to 'medo' and 'amedrontar') and explain why you chose it over a synonym like 'assustado'. You can use 'amedrontado' to analyze characters in literature or film, explaining how their fear drives their actions. Your ability to use the word in professional contexts, such as describing a team's reaction to a major change, shows a high level of linguistic competence.
At the C1 level, 'amedrontado' becomes a tool for nuanced expression and stylistic flair. You can use it in literary analysis, academic writing, or high-level professional debates. You understand the subtle difference between 'amedrontado' and its more archaic or literary cousins like 'atemorizado'. You can use the word to describe complex socio-political climates: 'A sociedade civil, amedrontada pela escalada da violência, buscou novas formas de organização' (Civil society, frightened by the escalation of violence, sought new forms of organization). Your usage is fluid and integrated into sophisticated sentence structures, including those with inverted word order or complex relative clauses. You can also use the word metaphorically or in idiomatic contexts. At this level, you are sensitive to the 'register' of the word, knowing exactly when 'amedrontado' is too formal or when it provides the perfect weight to a statement. You can engage in deep discussions about the psychological state of being 'amedrontado' versus being 'traumatizado' or 'ansioso', using the word as a precise marker of a specific type of fear caused by external intimidation.
At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'amedrontado' and its entire semantic field. You can use it with the same ease as a native speaker, including its most subtle connotations and historical echoes. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the nature of fear and power, or in a highly creative piece of writing where you play with its sounds and rhythms. You are aware of how the word has been used by great Lusophone authors and can evoke those styles in your own speech or writing. You can use the word in rare or archaic constructions without sounding unnatural, simply because you understand the underlying logic of the language so well. Your use of 'amedrontado' is perfectly calibrated for the audience and purpose, whether you are giving a keynote speech, writing a legal brief, or having an intimate conversation. You can also identify and use regional variations or slang that might replace 'amedrontado' in different parts of the Portuguese-speaking world, while still maintaining the ability to use the standard form with perfect precision. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument in your vast linguistic orchestra.

amedrontado en 30 secondes

  • Amedrontado means frightened or intimidated.
  • It comes from the root 'medo' (fear).
  • It must agree in gender and number with the noun.
  • Commonly used with the verbs 'estar' or 'ficar'.
The Portuguese adjective amedrontado is a powerful and evocative word used to describe the state of being frightened, scared, or intimidated. At its core, it is derived from the noun medo (fear), specifically coming from the verb amedrontar (to frighten). When you see someone who is visibly shaken, trembling, or hesitant due to a perceived threat, amedrontado is the most accurate term to describe their emotional state. It captures a moment of vulnerability where fear has taken hold of an individual's composure.
Emotional State
It refers to the internal feeling of fear or the outward manifestation of being scared.
Agreement
As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: amedrontado (masculine singular), amedrontada (feminine singular), amedrontados (masculine plural), and amedrontadas (feminine plural).
Intensity
It is more formal than 'com medo' and suggests a more profound or visible state of being intimidated.
In everyday Portuguese, you will encounter this word in literature to describe characters facing adversity, in news reports discussing populations affected by violence, or in psychological contexts. Unlike the simple phrase 'ter medo' (to have fear), which describes a general phobia or feeling, being amedrontado often implies that something external has actively caused this state.

O pequeno pássaro parecia amedrontado com a presença do gato no jardim.

Culturally, Portuguese speakers might use this word to describe the collective feeling of a community during a crisis. It is not just a personal feeling; it can be a social atmosphere. When a storm is approaching and people are securing their homes, an observer might say the town looks amedrontada. It is a word that paints a picture of silence, wide eyes, and hesitant movements.

Ela deu um passo para trás, com um olhar amedrontado, quando viu o estranho se aproximar.

Understanding this word requires recognizing the prefix 'a-' and the root 'medo'. In Portuguese, the 'a-' prefix often indicates a transition into a state (to become or to make). Therefore, 'amedrontar' is 'to put into a state of fear', and 'amedrontado' is the result of that process. This makes it more specific than 'assustado' (startled), which is often a sudden, short-lived reaction.

Os investidores ficaram amedrontados com a queda repentina da bolsa de valores.

Whether you are reading a classic novel by Machado de Assis or watching a modern Brazilian thriller, you will see amedrontado used to build tension and characterize the emotional landscape of the scene. It is a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between simple everyday speech and high-level literary expression.
Using amedrontado correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an adjective and its relationship with auxiliary verbs. Most commonly, it is paired with the verbs estar (to be in a temporary state) or ficar (to become or to be left in a state).
With 'Estar'
Used to describe someone who is currently feeling frightened. Example: 'Eu estou amedrontado.'
With 'Ficar'
Used to describe the change in state. Example: 'Ele ficou amedrontado após o grito.'
As a Direct Modifier
Placed after a noun to describe a quality. Example: 'Um povo amedrontado é mais fácil de controlar.'
One of the most important aspects for English speakers is gender and number agreement. If you are talking about a woman, you must use amedrontada. If you are talking about a group of people (mixed or masculine), use amedrontados. For a group of women, use amedrontadas. Failure to agree gender and number is a common mistake for beginners.

As crianças ficaram amedrontadas durante a tempestade elétrica.

You can also modify the intensity of the word using adverbs like muito (very), bastante (quite), or completamente (completely). For instance, 'Ele estava completamente amedrontado' emphasizes that the fear was total and overwhelming.

O réu parecia amedrontado diante do juiz severo.

In more complex sentence structures, amedrontado can be followed by a prepositional phrase to explain the cause of the fear. The most common preposition used here is com (with/by) or por (by). For example, 'Amedrontado com a possibilidade de falha' (Frightened by the possibility of failure). This allows for detailed descriptions of psychological states.

Não fique amedrontado; nós estamos aqui para te ajudar.

It is also useful in the negative. 'Ele não parecia nem um pouco amedrontado' (He didn't seem even a bit frightened). This is a common way to describe bravery or stoicism. Using the word in various contexts—from describing a pet at the vet to a politician facing a scandal—will help solidify your understanding of its nuances.

O cavalo, amedrontado pelo barulho, começou a correr descontroladamente.

Finally, consider the difference between 'estar amedrontado' and 'ser medroso'. While 'estar amedrontado' is a temporary state of fear, 'ser medroso' implies a permanent personality trait (being a fearful person/coward). Mastering this distinction is key to achieving fluency at the B1 and B2 levels.
The word amedrontado resonates across various domains of Portuguese-speaking life, from the dramatic flair of Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas) to the serious tone of Lisbon's evening news. In media, you will often hear it when reporters describe the aftermath of a natural disaster or a security incident. Phrases like 'a população está amedrontada' (the population is frightened) are staples of journalistic reporting. It conveys a sense of collective anxiety that 'com medo' might not fully capture.
News & Media
Used to describe the emotional climate of a city or group during crises.
Literature & Film
Essential for describing characters' reactions in suspense, horror, and drama genres.
Professional Environments
In law or psychology, it describes a victim's or witness's state of mind.
In the world of cinema, specifically in horror or thriller films, 'amedrontado' is used in scripts and reviews to describe the protagonist's journey. A director might tell an actor, 'Você precisa parecer mais amedrontado nesta cena' (You need to look more frightened in this scene). It suggests a physical manifestation of fear—trembling hands, wide eyes, and shallow breathing.

O vilão gostava de ver seus inimigos amedrontados.

In everyday conversation, while people might say 'estou com medo' for small things like a spider, they will use amedrontado for more significant, intimidating situations. For example, a student might feel amedrontado by a very strict professor or a difficult final exam. It implies a level of intimidation that goes beyond a simple scare.

Ele se sentiu amedrontado pelo tamanho do desafio que tinha pela frente.

You also find this word in historical contexts. When discussing periods of dictatorship or social unrest in Lusophone countries, historians often write about how the public was amedrontado by state censorship or police presence. In this sense, the word takes on a political dimension, describing a state of fear used as a tool of control.

Durante a guerra, muitos cidadãos viviam amedrontados em suas próprias casas.

Finally, in parenting and education, you might hear a teacher say, 'Não queremos que os alunos se sintam amedrontados, mas sim motivados'. This highlights the word's negative connotation regarding learning environments, where fear is seen as a barrier to progress. Hearing and recognizing amedrontado in these diverse settings will help you grasp its full weight and appropriate usage.
For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word amedrontado presents several potential pitfalls, primarily related to grammar, word choice, and nuance. The most frequent error is the lack of gender and number agreement. Unlike the English 'frightened', which remains unchanged, amedrontado must match the subject.
Agreement Errors
Saying 'Ela está amedrontado' instead of 'Ela está amedrontada'. Always check the subject's gender.
Confusing with 'Assustado'
'Assustado' is 'startled' (sudden). 'Amedrontado' is 'frightened' (sustained or deep). Using 'assustado' for long-term fear sounds unnatural.
Confusing with 'Medroso'
'Medroso' is a personality trait (cowardly). 'Amedrontado' is a temporary state. Don't say 'Ele é amedrontado' if you mean he is a coward.
Another common mistake is using the wrong auxiliary verb. While estar amedrontado and ficar amedrontado are correct, using ser amedrontado is very rare and usually incorrect because fear is rarely considered a permanent, defining characteristic of a person's essence.

Errado: O menino é amedrontado. Correto: O menino está amedrontado.

Students also struggle with the pronunciation of the 'dr' cluster followed by 'on'. It requires a clear tongue tap for the 'r' and a nasalized 'on'. Practicing 'a-me-DRON-ta-do' slowly can prevent it from sounding like 'amendrontado' (adding an extra 'n' is a common phonological slip).

Cuidado: Não confunda amedrontado com adormecido (asleep). Eles soam vagamente parecidos para iniciantes.

Preposition usage is another area of concern. English speakers might want to say 'amedrontado de' (frightened of) because of the English structure. However, in Portuguese, it is much more common to use 'amedrontado com' or 'amedrontado pela/pelo'. For example: 'Amedrontado com o escuro' is more natural than 'Amedrontado do escuro'.

O gato ficou amedrontado com os fogos de artifício.

Finally, avoid overusing the word. While it's a great vocabulary enrichment word, in very casual conversation, 'com medo' is much more frequent. Using 'amedrontado' to describe being slightly worried about a small spider might sound overly dramatic or 'bookish'. Reserve it for situations where there is a real sense of being 'frightened' or 'intimidated'.
Portuguese has a rich vocabulary for fear, and choosing the right word depends on the intensity and nature of the emotion. Amedrontado is a versatile middle-ground word, but here are its neighbors:
Assustado
Meaning 'startled' or 'surprised by fear'. It's usually the result of a sudden event, like a loud bang. It is less intense than 'amedrontado'.
Apavorado
Meaning 'terrified' or 'panicked'. This is much stronger than 'amedrontado'. Use this when the person is in a state of extreme terror.
Receoso
Meaning 'apprehensive' or 'wary'. This is a milder, more intellectualized form of fear, often used in formal or professional contexts.

Comparação: 'Estou receoso sobre o contrato' (Apprehensive) vs 'Estou amedrontado pelo chefe' (Frightened/Intimidated).

Another interesting alternative is intimidado. While 'amedrontado' focuses on the feeling of fear, 'intimidado' focuses on the source of the fear—the fact that someone or something is making you feel small or powerless. If a tall bully stands over a child, the child is both intimidado and amedrontado.

O novato sentiu-se intimidado pelos colegas experientes.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear 'cabreiro' (wary/suspicious) or even 'bolado' (upset/worried/scared depending on context), though these are slang and shouldn't be used in formal writing. For learners, sticking to the spectrum of assustado -> amedrontado -> apavorado is a safe and effective way to express varying degrees of fear.

Não confunda amedrontado (frightened) com horrorizado (horrified/shocked by something disgusting or terrible).

Understanding these synonyms allows you to be more precise in your descriptions. If you are writing a story, using 'amedrontado' to describe a character's reaction to a dark forest creates a different atmosphere than using 'apavorado' (which might imply they are screaming and running) or 'receoso' (which might imply they are just being cautious). This precision is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

Exemples par niveau

1

Eu estou amedrontado.

I am frightened.

Subject 'Eu' with temporary state 'estou'.

2

Você está amedrontada?

Are you (feminine) frightened?

Feminine ending '-ada' for a female subject.

3

O gato está amedrontado.

The cat is frightened.

Masculine singular agreement with 'o gato'.

4

Nós estamos amedrontados.

We are frightened.

Plural ending '-ados' for 'nós'.

5

Ela não está amedrontada.

She is not frightened.

Negative 'não' before the verb.

6

O bebê parece amedrontado.

The baby seems frightened.

Using 'parece' (seems) as a linking verb.

7

Eles estão muito amedrontados.

They are very frightened.

Adverb 'muito' to increase intensity.

8

Estou amedrontado com o cachorro.

I am frightened by the dog.

Preposition 'com' indicates the source of fear.

1

O menino ficou amedrontado com o trovão.

The boy became frightened by the thunder.

'Ficar' shows a change of state.

2

As crianças ficaram amedrontadas no escuro.

The children became frightened in the dark.

Feminine plural agreement.

3

Não fique amedrontado, é só um filme.

Don't be frightened, it's just a movie.

Imperative 'não fique' (don't be/become).

4

O passarinho amedrontado voou para longe.

The frightened little bird flew away.

Adjective used directly before/after the noun.

5

Ela sempre fica amedrontada em aviões.

She always gets frightened on planes.

Frequency adverb 'sempre'.

6

Os alunos pareciam amedrontados antes da prova.

The students seemed frightened before the test.

Plural agreement with 'os alunos'.

7

Um olhar amedrontado cruzou seu rosto.

A frightened look crossed his face.

'Amedrontado' modifying 'olhar' (look/glance).

8

O cavalo amedrontado correu para o campo.

The frightened horse ran to the field.

Masculine singular agreement.

1

Ele se sentiu amedrontado pela magnitude da tarefa.

He felt frightened by the magnitude of the task.

Reflexive verb 'sentir-se' (to feel).

2

Amedrontado com as notícias, ele decidiu não sair.

Frightened by the news, he decided not to go out.

Adjective starting a clause (participial phrase).

3

Ela não queria parecer amedrontada na frente dos colegas.

She didn't want to seem frightened in front of her colleagues.

Infinitive 'parecer' after 'queria'.

4

O mercado está amedrontado com a inflação alta.

The market is frightened by high inflation.

Metaphorical use of 'mercado' (the market).

5

Ficamos amedrontados ao ouvir o barulho estranho no sótão.

We became frightened upon hearing the strange noise in the attic.

Temporal clause 'ao ouvir' (upon hearing).

6

Um povo amedrontado raramente questiona seus líderes.

A frightened people rarely questions its leaders.

Generic use of 'um povo' as a singular collective noun.

7

Amedrontada, a testemunha recusou-se a falar.

Frightened, the witness refused to speak.

Adjective used as an appositive to describe a state.

8

Eles andavam amedrontados pelas ruas desertas.

They walked frightened through the deserted streets.

'Andar' used here as 'to be/to go about' in a state.

1

A população, amedrontada pela violência urbana, exige mudanças.

The population, frightened by urban violence, demands changes.

Relative clause reduced to an adjective phrase.

2

O investidor, visivelmente amedrontado, retirou seu capital.

The investor, visibly frightened, withdrew his capital.

Adverb 'visivelmente' (visibly) modifying the adjective.

3

Muitos animais ficam amedrontados com a poluição sonora.

Many animals become frightened by noise pollution.

Plural agreement with 'muitos animais'.

4

O silêncio amedrontado da plateia era quase palpável.

The frightened silence of the audience was almost palpable.

Metaphorical: 'silêncio amedrontado'.

5

Ela estava amedrontada com a possibilidade de perder o emprego.

She was frightened by the possibility of losing her job.

Complex prepositional phrase 'com a possibilidade de...'.

6

Amedrontados pela crise econômica, os consumidores gastam menos.

Frightened by the economic crisis, consumers spend less.

Causal relationship implied by the adjective phrase.

7

O réu parecia amedrontado durante todo o julgamento.

The defendant seemed frightened throughout the trial.

Adjective as a subject complement.

8

Não podemos deixar que o país fique amedrontado.

We cannot let the country become frightened.

Subjunctive mood 'fique' after 'deixar que'.

1

A narrativa descreve um protagonista amedrontado por seus próprios desejos.

The narrative describes a protagonist frightened by his own desires.

Psychological/Internal source of fear.

2

O semblante amedrontado do velho revelava segredos antigos.

The old man's frightened countenance revealed old secrets.

Formal word 'semblante' (countenance/face).

3

Amedrontada pela incerteza do destino, ela hesitou em partir.

Frightened by the uncertainty of fate, she hesitated to leave.

Abstract concept 'incerteza do destino'.

4

Amedrontados, os soldados recuaram diante da investida inimiga.

Frightened, the soldiers retreated before the enemy onslaught.

Concise use of the adjective to set the scene.

5

O clima amedrontado que se instalou na empresa prejudicou a produtividade.

The frightened atmosphere that settled in the company harmed productivity.

Describing an abstract 'clima' (atmosphere).

6

Ela falava com uma voz amedrontada, quase um sussurro.

She spoke with a frightened voice, almost a whisper.

Modifying 'voz' (voice).

7

O gado, amedrontado pelo relâmpago, debandou pela planície.

The cattle, frightened by the lightning, stampeded across the plain.

Past participle used as an adjective phrase.

8

Mesmo amedrontado, ele não permitiu que o medo o paralisasse.

Even though frightened, he did not allow fear to paralyze him.

Concessive structure 'mesmo amedrontado'.

1

Amedrontado pela efemeridade da vida, o poeta buscava a eternidade nos versos.

Frightened by the ephemerality of life, the poet sought eternity in his verses.

Philosophical context.

2

O cenário político, amedrontado por fantasmas do passado, tardava em evoluir.

The political scene, frightened by ghosts of the past, was slow to evolve.

Metaphorical use of 'fantasmas do passado'.

3

Sentia-se amedrontado, não pelo perigo real, mas pela vastidão do seu próprio ser.

He felt frightened, not by real danger, but by the vastness of his own being.

Existential fear.

4

O animal, amedrontado e acossado, lutava por sua sobrevivência com ferocidade.

The animal, frightened and hounded, fought for its survival with ferocity.

Pairing 'amedrontado' with 'acossado' (hounded/cornered).

5

Amedrontados pela iminência do desastre, os habitantes abandonaram a vila.

Frightened by the imminence of disaster, the inhabitants abandoned the village.

Formal noun 'iminência' (imminence).

6

Sua alma amedrontada buscava refúgio em preces silenciosas.

His frightened soul sought refuge in silent prayers.

Metaphysical use: 'alma amedrontada'.

7

Amedrontado pela própria sombra, o ditador vivia em constante paranoia.

Frightened by his own shadow, the dictator lived in constant paranoia.

Idiomatic: 'amedrontado pela própria sombra'.

8

O mercado reagiu de forma amedrontada às novas medidas fiscais.

The market reacted in a frightened manner to the new fiscal measures.

Adverbial phrase 'de forma amedrontada'.

Synonymes

Assustado Apavorado Temeroso Receoso Intimidado Atemorizado Horrorizado Sobressaltado

Antonymes

Corajoso Destemido Confiante Seguro

Collocations courantes

Olhar amedrontado
Ficar amedrontado
Parecer amedrontado
Voz amedrontada
Povo amedrontado
Animal amedrontado
Criança amedrontada
Silêncio amedrontado
Visivelmente amedrontado
Amedrontado com tudo

Phrases Courantes

Estar amedrontado com a situação

— To be frightened by how things are going.

Estou amedrontado com a situação política.

Não fique amedrontado

— A common way to reassure someone.

Não fique amedrontado, eu vou te ajudar.

Um semblante amedrontado

— A face that shows fear.

Ele entrou na sala com um semblante amedrontado.

Amedrontado pela incerteza

— Scared because of not knowing what will happen.

Muitos estão amedrontados pela incerteza do futuro.

Sentir-se amedrontado

— To have the feeling of being frightened.

Sinto-me amedrontado neste lugar escuro.

Ficar amedrontado à toa

— To get scared for no real reason.

Você fica amedrontado à toa, não há nada aqui.

Deixar alguém amedrontado

— To make someone feel frightened.

Suas palavras deixaram o menino amedrontado.

Viver amedrontado

— To live in a constant state of fear.

Eles vivem amedrontados naquela vizinhança.

Parecer um pouco amedrontado

— To show slight signs of fear.

O gato parecia um pouco amedrontado com o novo brinquedo.

Amedrontado e confuso

— A common pairing describing a state of shock.

Ele acordou no hospital, amedrontado e confuso.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Amedrontado pela própria sombra"

— To be extremely cowardly or paranoid, scared of everything.

Desde o assalto, ele vive amedrontado pela própria sombra.

Informal/Neutral
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