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.
From a South American perspective, those events must have felt at once terrifying and distant, as if seen through tinted glass. Literary Hub, 11 May 2026 Matt Damon plays a Navy admiral in a submarine, who’s getting updates from his team on a terrifying creature in the murky waters. Rima Parikh, Vulture, 10 May 2026 Definitely expect some ups and downs – but this doesn’t have to be terrifying. Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026 For most people, the idea of ceding control to a robot is out there at best; downright terrifying at worst. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 May 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 13 May. 2026.

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