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.
Tran swears that having a physical manifestation to interact with is why the terrifying sequences work. Simon Thompson, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 But actually just look at it and go, look, this is really, really scary and terrifying. Emily Maddick, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025 And yet somehow, this horror film about a family whose new home is haunted by a spirit never runs out of gas, managing to resonate as a powerful domestic drama and as a terrifying story about grief and love. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025 Despite the terrifying incidinet, only eight passengers were on board at the time, and no one sustained serious injuries. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 14 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrifying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrifying. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terrifying

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!