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

This intimate documentary also doubles as a coming-of-age film, as Strømdahl tracked Mikal for more than three years, from childhood to young adulthood, and in often harrowing proximity to his parents. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025

The novel draws on the harrowing testimony of survivors and asks questions not only about the conflicting goals of justice, truth and reconciliation, but also about how one lives with the knowledge of crimes against humanity. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

So commences a night of harrowing encounters and trauma both physical and mental, starting with Ron and Mike’s trip to meet Oliver at a bar after one of his shows. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025

Many of Notre Dame’s made extra points this season have been harrowing, even setting aside the tragic misses. —Pete Sampson, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of harrow entry 3

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for harrowing

• narrowing