terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

Synonyms

• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

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

For viewers who love the wild and bombastic games in Borderland, Saw will be a seriously gripping (and terrifying) franchise to start watching — especially since the traps in Saw often push its victims to some pretty extreme limits, just like in Borderland. —Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

Frederick Spears could be terrifying, Ashton said. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025

The most recent fourth season of the show premiered in 2022, and introduced viewers to perhaps the most terrifying character from the Upside Down, Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). —Dan Heching, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025

Hurricane Helene delivered a painful message about hurricane dangers to millions during its terrifying trek a year ago. —Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• amplifying
• beautifying
• certifying
• clarifying
• classifying
• codifying
• crucifying
• edifying
• falsifying
• fortifying
• glorifying
• gratifying