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 repugnance2 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 horror3plural : a state of extreme depression or apprehension