: gravely disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chilling
2 of 2present participle of chill entry 3
Examples of chilling in a Sentence
Adjective
a Southern visitor who was unused to the chilling air of a Northeast winter
Recent Examples on the Web
Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
While some lawmakers, such as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, have publicly denied any targeting, the concern alone is having a chilling effect across the field.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Research has shown that hate speech online in particular and the proliferation of extremism online in general have a chilling effect on online speech through intimidation and fear.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
The poem also provides chilling background to the new trailer.
28 Years Later is set for domestic release on June 20.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
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Adjective
Inevitably, this detention will have a severe chilling effect on peoples' willingness to come to court on all matters of disputes, both civil and criminal.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
While some lawmakers, such as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, have publicly denied any targeting, the concern alone is having a chilling effect across the field.
—Natalie Madeira Cofield, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Research has shown that hate speech online in particular and the proliferation of extremism online in general have a chilling effect on online speech through intimidation and fear.
—Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
The poem also provides chilling background to the new trailer.
28 Years Later is set for domestic release on June 20.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chilling
Cite this Entry
“Chilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chilling. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chilling
adjective
chill·ing
ˈchil-iŋ 
: very disturbing or frightening
a chilling case of abuse
chillingly
adverb
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