Synonyms of horrify

horrify

verb

ˈhȯr-ə-ˌfī 

as in to frighten

to strike with fear

the old black-and-white psychological thriller still horrifies audiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frighten
• scare
• terrify
• startle
• spook
• shock
• terrorize
• panic
• fright
• scarify
• alarm
• shake
• affright
• appall
• amaze
• astound
• worry
• distract
• give one the creeps
• dismay
• make one's flesh creep
• awe
• shake up
• unnerve
• daunt
• unsettle
• jolt
• disturb
• dispirit
• emasculate
• disconcert
• upset
• discomfort
• demoralize
• perturb
• distress
• disquiet
• floor
• psych (out)
• unman
• undo
• bowl over
• discompose
• unstring
• chill

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• assure
• soothe
• comfort
• cheer
• encourage
• inspire
• console
• steel
• solace
• embolden
• hearten

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb horrify contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of horrify are appall, daunt, and dismay. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

When is appall a more appropriate choice than horrify?

While in some cases nearly identical to horrify, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

In what contexts can daunt take the place of horrify?

In some situations, the words daunt and horrify are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Where would dismay be a reasonable alternative to horrify?

The words dismay and horrify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of horrify

The sequence in the film involving Matt running away from a premiere continues with the character gazing horrified upon his oozing complexion in the reflection of a storefront window. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 21 July 2026

Kate, hiding a dark past of her own, is thrilled rather than horrified, and moves into West’s mansion to work alongside him. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 July 2026

The professor was horrified by what appeared to be massive cheating in his course—cheating that was preventing most of the students from learning the material. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026

She would be horrified, hurt—ashamed, even, of Zeenat’s behavior. — Literary Hub, 30 June 2026