Meaning
fright, scare
In a sentence
Che spavento! Ho sentito un rumore forte.
What a scare! I heard a loud noise.
Non era uno spavento vero, solo uno scherzo.
It wasn't real fear, just a joke.
Ti sei preso uno spavento vedendo quel cane?
Did you get scared seeing that dog?
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| spavento | masculine · singular |
| spaventi | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Often used for a sudden fright: spavento is more immediate than paura, which is the general word for fear.
- Common in fixed phrases with prendere: prendere uno spavento means to get a fright.
- Usually singular for one scare; plural spaventi sounds literary or refers to repeated/frightening events.