1 terrifying | Definition of terrifying

terrifying

adjective
ter·​ri·​fy·​ing | \ ˈter-É™-ËŒfÄ«-iÅ‹ How to pronounce terrifying (audio) , ˈte-rÉ™-\

Definition of terrifying

1 : causing terror or apprehension
2 : of a formidable nature

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Other Words from terrifying

terrifyingly adverb

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone was terrifying. heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Recent Examples on the Web

But learning how to let go of that, and how to be myself authentically in the world, has been kind of an arduous and pretty terrifying process. John Norris, Billboard, "Why Lower Dens' Jana Hunter Is Both 'Terrified' and 'More Comfortable' Since Transitioning," 5 Sep. 2019 The posts range from funny and terrifying to tender and sweet everyday moments of dads and their children. Jeneé Osterheldt, BostonGlobe.com, "Alex Ohanian, father of Reddit, on the importance of family leave and being a dad," 5 Sep. 2019 Kawah Ijen Volcano, Java, Indonesia The Kawah Injen volcano in Indonesia is equal parts terrifying and spectacular. Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019 There was still the memory of my own experience, which was very terrifying and very real. Alyson Pomerantz, Longreads, "Anaphylaxis of the Mind," 3 Sep. 2019 But there are plenty of ominously foreboding scenes, classic jump scares, and genuinely gross and/or terrifying moments to delight fans. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," 11 Aug. 2019 The highly contagious disease was so wasting and terrifying that those who died of it were believed to leave their graves, infecting relatives and draining away blood and life, scholars have said. Author: Michael E. Ruane, Anchorage Daily News, "Remains of an American ‘vampire’ were found about 30 years ago. Now DNA is giving him new life.," 1 Aug. 2019 Jordan Fricke's girlfriend told jurors Wednesday that the shooting of Police Officer Matthew Rittner at Fricke's apartment in February was chaotic, confusing, terrifying and traumatic. Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Jordan Fricke's girlfriend describes chaotic, terrifying seconds before Officer Matthew Rittner's death," 10 July 2019 Now, Ebola responders are asking for the trust of communities that had never heard of this strange and terrifying disease before the current outbreak — and many residents are wary. Amy Maxmen, Scientific American, "Meet the Ebola Workers Battling a Virus in a War Zone," 1 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terrifying.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of terrifying

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for terrifying

terrifying

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of terrifying

: causing great fear

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