terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
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.
Charlie Hunnam plays Gein, whose story is terrifying and influenced classic films like Psycho and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025 For different reasons, both of these shows are terrifying! Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 Released against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the terrifying existential statement Romero was making properly snaps into focus through the performance of Duane Jones. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025 New York — An explosion at a New York City apartment building blew off a floor-to-roof chunk of the high-rise – terrifying residents in the Bronx and fueling frustration and outrage as to how this could have happened. Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 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 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terrifying

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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