Meaning & Definition of word "Terrify"

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.