Main Entry: ¹hor·ror

Pronunciation: \ˈhȯr-ər, ˈhär-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English horrour, from Anglo-French *orur, from Latin horror action of bristling, from horrēre to bristle, shiver; akin to Sanskrit harṣate he is excited

Date: 14th century

1 a : painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay <astonishment giving place to horror on the faces of the people about me — H. G. Wells> b : intense aversion or repugnance
2 a : the quality of inspiring horror : repulsive, horrible, or dismal quality or character <contemplating the horror of their lives — Liam O'Flaherty> b : something that inspires horror
3 plural : a state of extreme depression or apprehension