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.

What should be clarifying becomes terrifying and mystifying
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“The terrifying realization that the final exam was tomorrow hit him at midnight.”
📚Related Words
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