harrowing

1 of 2

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

harrowing

2 of 2

present participle of harrow entry 1, harrow entry 3

Synonyms of harrowing

Adjective

• painful
• harsh
• cruel
• torturous

Examples of harrowing in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

As part of Patrick’s testimony, his harrowing 911 call the night of the incident was also played in court, but was not broadcast, in accordance with a court order. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026

Between a courier caught in the middle of a zombie virus outbreak and a scuba diver swallowed whole by a sperm whale, both films put Abrams’ respective lead characters, Bryan and Jay, through uniquely harrowing one-man crucibles. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Prosaic concerns about machines disrupting industries, stealing jobs, and compromising schoolwork are giving way to more harrowing fears about the end of humanity. — Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026

Most of the seizures were short, but the family also had harrowing experiences. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of harrow entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective

1799, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for harrowing

• narrowing