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

And here comes Cameron's absolute genius in the director's chair, building on the sci-fi horror of the first with visually terrifying xenomorphs, suffocating tension, and world-building prowess that truly takes you away from reality. —Grace Dean, Space.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Freed hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel befriended two Israeli soldiers in captivity, creating a support system that helped all of them endure the terrifying experience. —CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025

Set over an explosive night in the Jim Crow South, this terrifying period piece plays like a boozy bass riff stretched across genres. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2025

That initial, terrifying episode eventually progressed into about a dozen seizures a day. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 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