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

But others, where relentless, shelter-soaking rain is the aggressor, are no less vivid and terrifying, amplified by the rattling, percussive intensity of extraordinary sound design by Lena Esquenazi, Valeria Mancheva and Antonio Porem. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 22 Feb. 2026

Brandon Flynn Nothing is more terrifying than a late-night host desperate to boost ratings. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026

The former Clemson star has discovered a fondness for poa annua, the strain of grass that get bumpy with spikes and footprints and late afternoon growth, and can be downright terrifying on short par putts when the greens are this fast. —ABC News, 20 Feb. 2026

Despite the terrifying scenes, no injuries were reported. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 20 Feb. 2026

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