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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of terrify
Mice know cats can smell them, and cats emit chemicals that terrify mice.
—
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
But across the political divide, the bombings are terrifying for many Iranians, with civilian casualities on the rise.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Public testimony stretched for hours, where speakers shared concerns that the legislation could have legal repercussions, disrupt community relationships with local law enforcement and make immigrants terrified to interact with police, school or hospital staff.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026
Pic was written and directed by horror filmmaker Ian Tuason, and follows the host (Nina Kiri) of a popular paranormal podcast who becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
But across the political divide, the bombings are terrifying for many Iranians, with civilian casualities on the rise.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026
Public testimony stretched for hours, where speakers shared concerns that the legislation could have legal repercussions, disrupt community relationships with local law enforcement and make immigrants terrified to interact with police, school or hospital staff.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify
Verb
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If the Cayenne Turbo GT proved SUVs could handle like sports cars, the Taycan Turbo GT proved EVs could frighten supercars.—
Will Sabel Courtney,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
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His dribbling, direct running style and finishing frighten defenders and light up the biggest stages.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But, for whatever reason, something has scared FSG off.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
20 Mar. 2026
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And while the lack of pass rush production in college should rightfully scare teams away from Faulk, his size and run-game ability provide a stable floor to work with early in his career.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But on a Sunday morning in July 1595, the groan of the heavy wooden door startled him from his gesticulations.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Mar. 2026
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That caused the sonic booms and explosive noises that startled so many people.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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