terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
1
: causing terror or apprehension
2
: of a formidable nature
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What makes this one so special is the way the film transforms this giant boat — a modern marvel of engineering — into a terrifying, deadly obstacle course. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2025 The implications are terrifying. Editorial, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025 Inside, the reality was less terrifying than the footage suggested. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025 With the gangs growing stronger and Haiti headed into another political transition, Felbab-Brown warned, the country could find itself in a terrifying situation worse than February 2024, when gangs consolidated their power and united. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrifying was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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