as in to frighten
to strike with fear
the old black-and-white psychological thriller still horrifies audiences
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of horrify
Such plans horrified the Obama administration, which demanded the Ukrainians not go through with them, former U.S. and Ukrainian officials said.
—
Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
The clip horrified many people online, leading to over 12,300 comments on TikTok so far.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
The case horrified people around the world, with Gisèle being declared a hero by many for speaking out.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Some of Westover's stories will horrify, others are heart-wrenching and all will leave you with a compassionate view of her search for education and liberation.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for horrify
Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025
The clip horrified many people online, leading to over 12,300 comments on TikTok so far.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
The case horrified people around the world, with Gisèle being declared a hero by many for speaking out.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
Some of Westover's stories will horrify, others are heart-wrenching and all will leave you with a compassionate view of her search for education and liberation.
—Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for horrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horrify
Verb
-
Thousands of residents and visitors have left Santorini, frightened by the earthquakes measuring between magnitude 3 and magnitude 5 in the area since the weekend.—
Elena Becatoros,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2025
-
President Trump did no one any favors and his irresponsible accusations were meant to confuse and spread an unfounded conspiracy while both trying to score political points as well as frighten the flying public needlessly.—
Michael B. Teiger,
Hartford Courant,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
On the military plane ride from California to Panama, Mona, a 32-year-old Iranian Christian convert, said her 8-year-old son cried, terrified to see his parents shackled.—
Julie Turkewitz,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2025
-
However, the exhibit’s approach is just the opposite of Jackson’s — not to terrify moviegoers, but rather to demystify the eight-legged animals by fostering curiosity and empathy.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
His limited resume and the fact he’s spent more time in the box than on the edge also might scare teams, which means Walker’s potential draft range could be rather large.—
Nick Baumgardner,
The Athletic,
18 Feb. 2025
-
That's one week after Borderlands 4 and just in time to scare everyone (hopefully) during the all-spooky Halloween season.—
Fran Ruiz,
Space.com,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Though friendly toward her until that moment, Tembo was startled by the noise.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
But when Freed walked away, the elk got startled and ran into a gully full of snow.—
The Steamboat Pilot,
The Denver Post,
4 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horrify. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share