Terrifying

/ˈtɛrɪˌfaɪɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Causing great fear or dread.
The haunted house was filled with terrifying sounds that made us all scream.
Extremely alarming or intense.
The news of the impending storm was truly terrifying for the people living in the area.
Inspiring fear due to its nature or circumstances.
The terrifying images of the disaster were hard to erase from my mind.
Capable of causing fear or panic.
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

heart-stopping
That horror movie was heart-stopping!
scream fest
The haunted house was a total scream fest!