terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
Synonyms of terrifyingnext
1
: causing terror or apprehension
2
: of a formidable nature
terrifyingly adverb

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone was terrifying. heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
IndyCar star Will Power was involved in a terrifying crash during qualifying on Saturday afternoon ahead of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix in Birmingham. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 29 Mar. 2026 The terrifying cadence of airstrikes shapes daily life in Tehran. ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026 But beneath the ice, something terrifying has awakened. Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026 Which was good, because some of those guys were terrifying. Mark Glende, Twin Cities, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrifying

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrifying was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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