1To become frightened or scared; to show fear or be nervous (often used as 'to be afraid of ~').
突然の大きな音に猫が怯えて隠れてしまった。
A sudden loud noise frightened the cat and it hid.
子どもは暗い場所をとても怯えている。
The child is very frightened of dark places.
面接の前は誰でも少し怯えるものだ。
Anyone feels a bit nervous (frightened) before an interview.