as in to frighten
to strike with fear
the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me
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Recent Examples of terrify
And some of those billionaires behind Kamala are terrified of that outcome.
—
Nik Popli, Time, 17 July 2025
Few films have had the cultural impact of Jaws, the 1975 thriller that not only terrified a generation of beachgoers but also launched the modern summer blockbuster.
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 16 July 2025
Paired with the gray-ish green color palette, sparse decor, and dark atmospherics in the Institute itself, the bleak vibes may be enough to turn some viewers off for good, especially those horror purists who tune in hoping to be terrified rather than just bummed out.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 July 2025
In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Nik Popli, Time, 17 July 2025
Few films have had the cultural impact of Jaws, the 1975 thriller that not only terrified a generation of beachgoers but also launched the modern summer blockbuster.
—Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 16 July 2025
Paired with the gray-ish green color palette, sparse decor, and dark atmospherics in the Institute itself, the bleak vibes may be enough to turn some viewers off for good, especially those horror purists who tune in hoping to be terrified rather than just bummed out.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 July 2025
In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify
Verb
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Stink bugs tend to drop when frightened, so fill a cup with soapy water and hold it under the stink bug.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
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What starts as a simple favor to keep her great-niece turns into a wild Halloween night filled with jump scares and pranks — but as usual, nothing frightens her more than bad manners and disrespect. Boo 2!—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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There’s a thread of carbolic soap, though not enough to scare away those even moderately familiar with smoky Islay Scotch.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Officials used horns, sirens and lights to scare the dogs away from Culbertson, according to KC Pet Project documents obtained by The Star.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Verb
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He remains easily startled by loud noises, avoids direct eye contact, and is wary of new visitors.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 July 2025
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The formidable climb of YouTube in audience and influence has indeed startled the pop culture universe.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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