terrifying

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

terrifying

2 of 2

present participle of terrify

Synonyms of terrifying

Adjective

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

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

Adjective

The thought of dying alone was terrifying.

heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Fifty years ago, scientists pioneering a terrifying gene-splicing technology figured out a way to collectively hit pause. — Nick Fountain, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026

Don’t worry, the breakdown starts in a hurry and Cardellini is terrifying, if perhaps not as sympathetic as the series requires long-term. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Universal successfully sold audiences on the promise of a terrifying and emotional horror experience starring an Oscar-winning actress. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

That’s pretty terrifying because that has been the place where [the pro-Palestinian cause] has gotten the most movement in the past five years. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• supplying
• undying