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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Recent Examples of terrify
Viewers are also introduced to Marjorie (Blair Beeken), the activities lead at Oak Canyon Ranch, as well as Rockin’ Grandma’s sole remote worker, web designer Claire (Rachel Kaly), who appears to be terrified by the sun and wholly unnerved by other human beings.
—
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
As 1994 approached, the United States was on the verge of hosting the World Cup — but national soccer officials were terrified that the home team was about to humiliate itself on a global stage.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2026
Frankly, the thought of being beaten by the subscribers terrifies me.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026
As 1994 approached, the United States was on the verge of hosting the World Cup — but national soccer officials were terrified that the home team was about to humiliate itself on a global stage.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Mar. 2026
The air in the room changed immediately, terrifying little Liza.
—Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2026
Frankly, the thought of being beaten by the subscribers terrifies me.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify
Verb
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Some frighten people, while others delight them.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
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The marsupial escaped from Sunshine Farm in Necedah, a village about 90 miles away from Madison, on March 25, after being frightened by barking dogs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bossche says the encounter with the rattler hasn't scared her off the trails for good.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The outlet reported that, in the other scenario, guides and hotel staff, according to the CIB probe, have been coached to scare trekkers at high altitude, where altitude sickness can occur.—
Alex Nitzberg,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This is a novel about Jewish bodies and how people respond to them, the toll of obsession, and the conflicting currents of desire and unease that shake and startle a deep romantic fixation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Apr. 2026
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Kevin Uribe, another employee, said the sound of the collapse initially startled him.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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