terrified 1 of 2

terrified

2 of 2

verb

past tense of terrify

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of terrified
Verb
The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024 My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 McDonald plays her as a tragic heroine terrified of abandonment. Adam Moss, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024 Although conditions in Malibu may not be among the worst firefighters have seen, the Franklin fire has torched several vehicles and left residents who had to flee terrified. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 As the fighting ramped up in September, with daily missile barrages on the entire north, people were terrified of driving, fearing they’d be caught on the roads without shelter. Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024 Several subway riders testified they were terrified Neely was going to attack and they were relieved when Penny put him in a chokehold and kept him there. Gloria Pazmino, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024 My Unsung Hero She was terrified waiting for surgery. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 To put that into context, people are terrified of aging or miserable in their bodies. Essence, 5 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrified
Adjective
  • The frightened Maltese was swimming in circles, but Desalvo and his colleagues were able to pull her to safety.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025
  • The first few attempts to free the dog failed, then the rescuers cleverly used a tarp to hoist the frightened animal to safety.
    Kendall Malinchock, USA Today, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • And remember: Don't ever be afraid to give it a good shake.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 May 2025
  • Why are the Cleveland Guardians so afraid of letting Ben Lively pitch into the sixth inning or the third time through a batting order?
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Well, Netflix has found another one of these aspirational gurus who are scared to die and are willing to go to extreme lengths to preserve their physique — at any cost.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • More news: 3 Dodgers Under Most Pressure to Perform Following Shocking Roster Move While some fans appeared to be understandably scared, many just remained in their seats, seemingly unaware of the animal scurrying around them.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • While guest hosting Today with Jenna & Friends on Tuesday, May 20, Guthrie, 53, shared that her son Charley, 8, asked her not to come to his school's party, leaving her good friend Jenna Bush Hager, 43, shocked.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • So when Green’s ex reached out, unprompted, Green was shocked.
    Megan Farokhmanesh, Wired News, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • But even legal scholars with an expansive view of executive authority have grown alarmed.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Garcia, like many of us, is alarmed that these deportations aren’t just to a foreign country, but into a prison where a government official once said the only way out was in a coffin.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Burnsville officers went to Warren’s home around 9:30 a.m. after her sister called 911, explaining that Warren had called her during a fearful moment, deputies said.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
  • Without psychological safety, however, discomfort, conflict and ruthless competition can lead to a fearful workforce.
    Sanjeev Menon, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrified. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terrified

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!