terrify
verb
ter·ri·fy
ˈter-ə-ˌfī 
ˈte-rə-
terrified; terrifying
1
a
: to drive or impel by menacing : scare
b
: deter, intimidate
2
: to fill with terror
Synonyms
Examples of terrify in a Sentence
The thought of dying alone terrifies her.
the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me
Recent Examples on the Web
Instead of a confetti bomb going off, someone turns on the fog/smoke machine, terrifying all of the little pups into relieving themselves everywhere in fear.
—
Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025
But Marcel arrived terrified, hiding in the bathroom and refusing to move or be touched.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Many people have sat through plane delays due to mechanical issues, weather or other reasons, perhaps a bit concerned at the holdup but not terrified of what could happen.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
While most of the country was terrified of Bundy, his good looks and on-camera charisma attracted fans and supporters, many of whom came to court for his trials and sent him love letters in prison.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for terrify 
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Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025
But Marcel arrived terrified, hiding in the bathroom and refusing to move or be touched.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Many people have sat through plane delays due to mechanical issues, weather or other reasons, perhaps a bit concerned at the holdup but not terrified of what could happen.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 2 Feb. 2025
While most of the country was terrified of Bundy, his good looks and on-camera charisma attracted fans and supporters, many of whom came to court for his trials and sent him love letters in prison.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for terrify
Dictionary Entries Near terrify
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrify. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrify
verb
ter·ri·fy
ˈter-ə-ˌfī
terrified; terrifying
: to fill with terror
terrifyingly
adverb
-ˌfī-iŋ-lē
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