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
• scare
• terrify
• startle
• spook
• shock
• terrorize
• panic
• fright
• scarify
• alarm
• shake
• affright
• appall
• amaze
• astound
• worry
• distract
• give one the creeps
• dismay
• make one's flesh creep
• awe
• shake up
• unnerve
• daunt
• unsettle
• jolt
• disturb
• dispirit
• emasculate
• disconcert
• upset
• discomfort
• demoralize
• perturb
• distress
• disquiet
• floor
• 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

Girls and women are increasingly playing football alongside boys and men, an idea that would horrify at least one of the NWFL players quoted in Hail Mary. —Literary Hub, 12 Mar. 2026

Berry, who immediately wiped away his saliva, looked stunned, even horrified, but Brody didn’t seem to notice. —Brent Lang, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026

Many parents and alumni were horrified. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Sunday was another game-long display of why Wembanyama horrifies opponents from either side of the ball. —James Jackson, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026