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

Although the encounter itself was terrifying, revelations about Shrine’s past have compounded her fears. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

The movie blows up, and so are do lives—in exciting, but also terrifying, ways. — Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 21 Sep. 2026

His first tonic-clonic seizure lasted a terrifying two and half minutes. — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

New York Mets first baseman Jared Young was carted off on a stretcher Thursday night following a terrifying collision with teammate Nolan McLean during a game against the Phillies at Citi Field. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 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