terrifying

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

terrifying

2 of 2

present participle of terrify

Synonyms of terrifying

Adjective

• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

Adjective

The thought of dying alone was terrifying.

heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The episode starts, boldly, with newbie Daisy Toye who is struck by the terrifying occurrence of Martha Stewart showing up at her home. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026

As Katia Schörle, one of the experts featured in the film, explains, wild animals embodied a world that was both magnificent and terrifying. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026

Where the Europeans see a battle to be won, and even the other Sherpa see a terrifying sacred force, Tenzing sees a heavenly mother — smiling down on him since childhood, bearing witness to his heartbreaks in adulthood, calling him now to come home. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Cruz is going to take them all downnnn Babat is terrifying as all hell! — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• supplying
• undying