straszy

Straszy is the third-person singular present indicative form of the Polish verb straszyć, which means to frighten, scare, or threaten someone. It is used to describe an act of causing fear in another person or animal, whether through stories, behavior, or intimidation. As a present-tense form, it appears in sentences like “On straszy dzieci opowieściami o duchach” (He scares children with stories about ghosts).

Etymology and related forms: The verb straszyć derives from the noun strach, meaning fear. It has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Czech strašit and Russian страшить (strashit'), all conveying the idea of frightening. The noun strach is a common basis for related words in Polish, including terms for fear and intimidation.

Usage notes: Straszyć is imperfective, emphasizing an ongoing or repeated action of frightening. Its perfective counterpart is przestraszyć, which highlights a completed act of causing fear (for example, “Przestraszył mnie” – “He frightened me”). The choice between straszyć and przestraszyć can affect nuance, such as general habit versus a single event.

Conjugation and forms: In the present tense, common forms include ja straszę, ty straszy, on/ona/ono straszy, my straszymy, wy straszycie, oni straszą. The word straszy specifically functions as the third-person singular form, while other forms reflect subject agreement.

See also: strach (fear), straszyć dzieci (to scare children), przestraszyć (to frighten, to startle).