Meaning & Definition of word "Terrify"

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    Terrify

    /ˈtɛr.ɪ.faɪ/

    verb:

    • 1. to cause someone to feel extreme fear.
      • Example: The thought of speaking in front of a large crowd can terrify many people.
    • 2. to frighten someone greatly.
      • Example: The horror movie was designed to terrify audiences with its shocking scenes.
    • 3. to instill a sense of dread or alarm.
      • Example: The dark, eerie forest seemed to terrify the children as they walked through it.
    • 4. to scare or shock someone.
      • Example: The sudden loud noise from the fireworks terrified the dog.

    Etymology

    From the Latin 'terrificare', from 'terrere' meaning 'to frighten'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    terrified to the core:

    Extremely scared or frightened.

    scared out of one's wits:

    Extremely frightened or terrified.

    Related Words

    terror:

    An intense fear.

    terrifying:

    Causing extreme fear.

    Slang Meanings of terrify

    Meaning: Freak out

    Example Sentence: When he saw the spider, he totally freaked out.

    Meaning: Bounce

    Example Sentence: That scary clown made me bounce out of my seat.