Meaning & Definition of word "Terrifying"

Terrifying

/ˈtɛrɪˌfaɪɪŋ/

adjective:

  • 1. Causing great fear or dread.
    • Example: The haunted house was filled with terrifying sounds that made us all scream.
  • 2. Extremely alarming or intense.
    • Example: The news of the impending storm was truly terrifying for the people living in the area.
  • 3. Inspiring fear due to its nature or circumstances.
    • Example: The terrifying images of the disaster were hard to erase from my mind.
  • 4. Capable of causing fear or panic.
    • Example: The thought of an earthquake occurring without warning is a terrifying prospect.

Etymology

From the verb 'terrify' which comes from the Latin 'terrificare' meaning 'to frighten.'

Common Phrases and Expressions

terrifying experience:

a situation that causes a lot of fear or anxiety

terrifyingly real:

so realistic that it provokes fear

terrifying prospect:

a future situation that is frightening to think about

Related Words

terror:

extreme fear or dread

terrorize:

to create a state of extreme fear in someone

terrifier:

something that frightens

Slang Meanings of terrifying

Meaning: heart-stopping

Example Sentence: That horror movie was heart-stopping!

Meaning: scream fest

Example Sentence: The haunted house was a total scream fest!