as in to frighten
to strike with fear
the old black-and-white psychological thriller still horrifies audiences
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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
See All Example Sentences for horrify
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
See All Example Sentences for horrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horrify
Verb
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But their return has also angered and frightened livestock farmers and others in rural communities who are having to learn to live alongside these once nearly-extinct creatures.—
Ruth Sherlock,
NPR,
9 July 2025
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But on Friday night, the booms and blasts of celebratory fireworks appear to have frightened them away.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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The combination of a floodlight and a camera is a great way to scare off intruders and get better quality footage at night.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
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Simply pull the pin, and the device will emit a blaring siren sound in combination with a strobe light that will draw attention to your situation and scare away would-be threats.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Your trash schedule might not be top of mind this Independence Day between going to fireworks displays, making a last-minute run to the grocery store or getting startled by loud booms.—
Eleanor Nash
July 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
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According to a crash report, a cicada flew into the driver's window, startling the driver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horrify. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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