terrify
verb
ter·ri·fy
ˈter-ə-ˌfī 
ˈte-rə-
terrified; terrifying
1
a
: to drive or impel by menacing : scare
b
: deter, intimidate
2
: to fill with terror
Synonyms
Examples of terrify in a Sentence
The thought of dying alone terrifies her.
the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me
Recent Examples on the Web
This is the Zodiac Speaking co-director Ari Mark says his intention behind the series is to draw viewers into a bygone era of California before terrifying them.
—
Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
Biden suggested that global leaders are terrified of what Trump’s return to the White House could do to democratic rule around the world.
—Fatima Hussein and Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
Being alone for the first time in years without any kind of agenda was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
—Cynthia Moss, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024
The Dead End Hayride What to expect: Sit and be terrified on the quintessential hour-long hayride through Wyoming — then check out the haunted cornfield and walk-through attractions.
—Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrify 
Olivia B. Waxman, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024
Biden suggested that global leaders are terrified of what Trump’s return to the White House could do to democratic rule around the world.
—Fatima Hussein and Will Weissert, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024
Being alone for the first time in years without any kind of agenda was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.
—Cynthia Moss, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024
The Dead End Hayride What to expect: Sit and be terrified on the quintessential hour-long hayride through Wyoming — then check out the haunted cornfield and walk-through attractions.
—Audrey Kennedy, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrify
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrify.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near terrify
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrify. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrify
verb
ter·ri·fy
ˈter-ə-ˌfī
terrified; terrifying
: to fill with terror
terrifyingly
adverb
-ˌfī-iŋ-lē
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