harrowing

adjective

har·​row·​ing ˈher-ə-wiŋ 

ˈha-rə-

: acutely distressing or painful

a harrowing experience

Mr. Wu's work in a coal mine was particularly harrowing.

—Charles Horner

harrowingly adverb

Synonyms of harrowing

• painful
• harsh
• cruel
• torturous

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

Rose Byrne is earning acclaim for her turn in Mary Bronstein's harrowing (and grimly funny) film. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Mar. 2026

The action takes place in the politician’s luxury penthouse over the course of one harrowing night, hence the title. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

Eleven women testified about harrowing encounters with the brothers in places like Aspen, the Hamptons, and Tel Aviv. —Bridget Read, Curbed, 9 Mar. 2026

That even that many emerged alive is the result of the survivors’ determination in the harrowing moments after the avalanche. —Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of harrow entry 3

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for harrowing

• narrowing