terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
Synonyms of terrifyingnext
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.
Then the regime mounted a terrifying backlash. Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026 The terrifying encounter was captured on video and later shared on Instagram by hiker Mason Van Zeeland, who was exploring the Montana park with Alyssa Olsen when the pair crossed paths with the bears. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 The best horror villains are not only terrifying but complicated, their destructive persona hiding a far more vulnerable being underneath. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 The movie manages to make viewers feel every single cringey moment his main character goes through — kind of like watching your friend on the world’s worst (and most terrifying) date. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 1 June 2026 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 5 Jun. 2026.

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