Synonyms of horrify

horrify

verb

ˈhȯr-ə-ˌfī 

as in to frighten

to strike with fear

the old black-and-white psychological thriller still horrifies audiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frighten
• terrify
• scare
• startle
• shock
• spook
• terrorize
• panic
• fright
• scarify
• shake
• appal
• alarm
• appall
• affright
• amaze
• alarum
• astound
• distract
• make one's flesh crawl
• give one the creeps
• dismay
• make one's flesh creep
• awe
• shake up
• unnerve
• unsettle
• daunt
• jolt
• worry
• disturb
• dispirit
• emasculate
• disconcert
• discomfort
• upset
• demoralize
• distress
• perturb
• floor
• disquiet
• psych (out)
• unman
• undo
• bowl over
• discompose
• unstring
• chill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• assure
• soothe
• comfort
• cheer
• encourage
• inspire
• console
• steel
• solace
• embolden
• hearten

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb horrify contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of horrify are appall, daunt, and dismay. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

When is appall a more appropriate choice than horrify?

While in some cases nearly identical to horrify, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

In what contexts can daunt take the place of horrify?

In some situations, the words daunt and horrify are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Where would dismay be a reasonable alternative to horrify?

The words dismay and horrify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of horrify

The attack has shaken and horrified the Jewish community in Boulder, Megan Verlee of member station Colorado Public Radio says. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 June 2025

In 1923, horrified by news from Italy, Holdsworth founded the National Union for Combating Fascism. —David Renton may 12, Literary Hub, 12 May 2025

Are his friends horrified by this textbook midlife crisis, down to the fancy sports car and younger girlfriend, or jealous of Nick’s freedom? —Alison Herman, Variety, 1 May 2025

The medical professionals were horrified to learn the truth. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 24 May 2025