terrifying

adjective

ter·​ri·​fy·​ing ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ How to pronounce terrifying (audio)
ˈte-rə-
1
: causing terror or apprehension
2
: of a formidable nature
terrifyingly adverb

Examples of terrifying in a Sentence

The thought of dying alone was terrifying. heard a terrifying noise coming from the next room
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The paranormal phenomena spooking Spongebob and Squidward has a mundane explanation, but the entity flickering the lights turns out to be none other than Nosferatu, who reassures them with a terrifying smile; amusingly, Spongebob and Squidward are relieved to see him. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 In the early hours of New Year's Day 2021 in Canton, Georgia, Morgan Metzer was awakened to a terrifying sight. Michael Loftus, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2024 Three years later, Dex's death deals a major blow to several key characters on the long-running soap, potentially introduces a terrifying new killer, and leaves behind plenty of questions as to how the series will proceed without him. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 13 Dec. 2024 Gas Leaks Gas leaks are perhaps the most terrifying of fireplace issues. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terrifying 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrifying was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near terrifying

Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on terrifying

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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