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terrifying — causing extreme fear or dread; frightening to an intense degree

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: causing extreme fear or dread; frightening to an intense degree

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈterɪfaɪɪŋ/

Example Sentences

  • She found the terrifying roller coaster surprisingly therapeutic.
  • The terrifying math exam made students consider changing their major to art.
  • My mom's terrifying glare when I forgot to do the dishes was worse than any horror movie.

terrifying

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈterɪfaɪɪŋ/]

causing extreme fear or dread; frightening to an intense degree

The terrifying creature emerged from the dark cave, sending hikers running.
💡 Concept

The terrifying creature emerged from the dark cave, sending hikers running.

What should be clarifying becomes terrifying and mystifying
🎵 Rhyme

What should be clarifying becomes terrifying and mystifying

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈterɪfaɪɪŋ/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈterɪfaɪɪŋ/

🌳Etymology

Rootterrify
Suffix--ing

Origin

Derived from Latin terrere (to frighten, alarm) combined with the suffix -fy (to make or cause). The word evolved through Old French terrifier and entered English in the 16th century, retaining the sense of causing intense fear or dread.

Breakdown

terrere (Latin: to frighten) + -fy (to make, cause) + -ing (present participle/adjective suffix), forming 'causing or inducing terror'.

🎵Rhyme

clarifying
verifying
mystifying

🔗Collocations

terrifying experience
terrifying nightmare
terrifying speed
terrifying thought
terrifying sound
absolutely terrifying

📝Examples

“She found the terrifying roller coaster surprisingly therapeutic.”

😄 Fun example

“The terrifying math exam made students consider changing their major to art.”

😄 Fun example

“My mom's terrifying glare when I forgot to do the dishes was worse than any horror movie.”

“The terrifying realization that the final exam was tomorrow hit him at midnight.”

📚Related Words

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