TERRIFY Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

terrify

verb

ˈter-ə-ˌfī

Definition of terrify

as in to frighten

to strike with fear the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me

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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 terrify Grissom told Storyful that he was terrified for his beloved pet, who had not left his side since his wife died five years ago. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 Video shows the moment terrified people ran for cover as the shots rang out. — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Spotify is terrifying much of the podcast industry with a tiny little widget. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Aug. 2026 What terrifies you about this moment and inspires you about this moment? — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify

Verb

If your child is frightened of needles, another option is nasal spray.

— Eva Flowe August 19, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2026
And for members who have a long history, who are used to running on that long history, that frightens them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of a super restful sleep cycle, whether you are startled by the neighbor’s dog or an unwanted text message.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of startle

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terrifies

terrify

terrifying

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“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrify

verb

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