harrowing

adjective

har·​row·​ing ˈher-ə-wiŋ How to pronounce harrowing (audio)
ˈha-rə-
: acutely distressing or painful
a harrowing experience
Mr. Wu's work in a coal mine was particularly harrowing.Charles Horner
harrowingly adverb

Examples of harrowing in a Sentence

a harrowing portrayal of the ravages of war the harrowing amputations without any anesthetic that soldiers and sailors once were forced to endure
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dozens of people were treated for hypothermia after harrowing boat rides through the perilous conditions. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025 The takes often run very long; the resulting continuities of space and time unfold the choreographic splendor of the bullfighter’s work and convey a harrowing sense of no exit from the field of battle. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 June 2025 Two of her more recent films, Civil War and The Power of the Dog, are exceedingly dark and required her to go to some harrowing mental spaces. EW.com, 24 June 2025 When a harrowing incident forces Wash to flee, he is thrust into a globe-spanning adventure that challenges and reshapes his understanding of family, freedom, and love. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for harrowing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of harrow entry 3

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of harrowing was in 1799

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Cite this Entry

“Harrowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harrowing. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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