terrify

verb

ter·​ri·​fy ˈter-ə-ˌfī 

ˈte-rə-

terrified; terrifying

transitive verb

1

a

: to drive or impel by menacing : scare

b

: deter, intimidate

2

: to fill with terror

Synonyms of terrify

• frighten
• scare
• startle

Examples of terrify in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone terrifies her.

the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me

Recent Examples on the Web

When scientists are asked which potential climate impact terrifies them most, the collapse of the AMOC is often top of the list. —Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025

Back with Evan — though not always on his side — were his best friend Gwen (Koenig), gym teacher Markie (Patton), wild card guidance counselor Rick (Christopher) and constantly terrified Principal Grant Moretti (Colantoni). —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2025

Everyone was terrified of Friedkin. —Marta Balaga, Variety, 8 Nov. 2025

Trump is terrified of the midterms, of Republicans losing control of the House or the Senate or both. —Chris Brennan, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin terrificare, from terrificus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for terrify

• abscissae
• alibi
• alkali
• alumni
• amoebae
• amplify
• annuli
• beautify
• brachii
• butterfly
• calculi
• certify

Kids Definition

terrify

verb

ter·​ri·​fy ˈter-ə-ˌfī 

terrified; terrifying

: to fill with terror

terrifyingly

-ˌfī-iŋ-lē

adverb