terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

Synonyms of terrifying

• frightening
• scary
• formidable
• horrible
• terrible
• intimidating

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

There’s something a bit terrifying about the intense Deadhead-like devotion of the Swifties every night — and the singer is as mystified by it as anyone else. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2025

Witnesses described the terrifying scene in 911 call audio recently released by officials. —Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 12 Dec. 2025

While Girl Work attends to many concerns, a recurring one was the origins of The Ring, which looms large as one of the most terrifying horror films according to those brave enough to watch it. —Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025

But some of their real-life stories sound more terrifying than anything their characters have faced onscreen so far. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• amplifying
• beautifying
• certifying
• clarifying
• classifying
• codifying
• crucifying
• edifying
• falsifying
• fortifying
• glorifying
• gratifying