Skip to main content

terrified — extremely frightened or scared

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: extremely frightened or scared

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈterɪfaɪd/

Example Sentences

  • I'm terrified of giving presentations - I'd rather wrestle a bear!
  • The children were terrified when they heard the strange noise in the attic.
  • My cat is terrified of vacuum cleaners - he runs faster than Usain Bolt!

terrified

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈterɪfaɪd/]

extremely frightened or scared

The hiker stood terrified as a massive bear emerged from the dark forest.
💡 Concept

The hiker stood terrified as a massive bear emerged from the dark forest.

The more truth gets verified and clarified, the more terrified he becomes.
🎵 Rhyme

The more truth gets verified and clarified, the more terrified he becomes.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈterɪfaɪd/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈterɪfaɪd/

🌳Etymology

Rootterr
Suffix--ified

Origin

The word derives from Latin 'terrere', meaning 'to frighten' or 'to cause fear'. This root evolved through Old French into Middle English, eventually forming the modern English verb 'terrify' and its past participle 'terrified', expressing intense fear or alarm.

Breakdown

terr- (from Latin terrere, to frighten) + -ify (suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to cause') + -ed (past participle suffix). The construction literally means 'made frightened' or 'caused to be afraid'.

🎵Rhyme

verified
specified
clarified

🔗Collocations

absolutely terrified
terrified of heights
look terrified
terrified scream
feel terrified
terrified expression

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“I'm terrified of giving presentations - I'd rather wrestle a bear!”

“The children were terrified when they heard the strange noise in the attic.”

😄 Fun example

“My cat is terrified of vacuum cleaners - he runs faster than Usain Bolt!”

“She was terrified that she had forgotten to turn off the stove.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.