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.
Jen Bianco, owner of TransWorld Tradeshows, has watched attendance at her massive Halloween and attraction events surge in recent years as professional haunters trade tips, technology and terrifying new ideas. Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025 In Jennifer Kent's terrifying psychological horror film, the Babadook is summoned when Amelia reads to her son from a pop-up book about the monster, leading to days of terror. Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025 You’re being pushed to take a risk that feels both exhilarating and terrifying, Cancer. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 China has long laid claim to the island and acting on those claims could lead to a spiral where Washington and Beijing come to blows over the issue—and nuclear use would remain a terrifying possibility. Lyle Goldstein, Time, 23 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 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terrifying

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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