terrifying

1 of 2

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ 

ˈte-rə-

1

: causing terror or apprehension

2

: of a formidable nature

terrifyingly adverb

terrifying

2 of 2

present participle of terrify

Synonyms of terrifying

Adjective

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

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

Adjective

The thought of dying alone was terrifying.

heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Even so, returning to college was terrifying after ongoing health crises led to academic failure. — Alexis Lariviere, Washington Post, 29 Sep. 2026

The lycanthropy saga, set in an English village in the 13th century, stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a man who undergoes terrifying transformations into a werewolf each full moon. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2026

Here are eight of the best thrillers and mysteries set in the terrifying world of television. — L.m. Chilton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026

Albareda also stressed that even though some of the attractions are terrifying, HOH doesn’t only include the kids’ zone but also more areas to sit and chill and soak in the ambience. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for terrifying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• supplying
• undying