Horrific Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
😱
horrific
[həˈrɪfɪk ]
Definition
description
causing horror; extremely unpleasant or shocking
Synonyms
appalling, dreadful, ghastly, horrifying, terrible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| horrific |
Use when describing something that is extremely shocking or scary.
|
| terrible |
Very general use for anything very bad or unpleasant, can also be used informally.
|
| dreadful |
Appropriate for something awful or terrible but not necessarily shocking. It can also be used in everyday situations.
|
| horrifying |
Again, for something extremely shocking and frightening, with a focus on causing terror.
|
| appalling |
Best for situations that are shocking in a terrible way, often related to social or moral standards.
|
| ghastly |
Fits describing something that causes a shudder of fear or horror, often related to appearance or a scene.
|
Examples of usage
- The movie was so horrific that I couldn't sleep at night.
- The horrific crime scene left the investigators in shock.
- The horrific accident resulted in multiple casualties.
- The horrific screams echoed through the abandoned building.
- The horrific details of the war were difficult to comprehend.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Horrific themes often appear in Gothic literature, characterized by dark settings and supernatural elements, such as in works by Edgar Allan Poe.
- Horror novels often use horrific elements to evoke strong emotional responses, leaving readers in suspense or fear.
- The horror genre in literature examines the human psyche, exploring deep fears and societal anxieties.
Psychology
- Experiencing horrific events can lead to trauma, affecting mental health and well-being in various ways, including PTSD.
- Studies suggest that people can become desensitized to horrific imagery over time, which can alter their emotional responses.
- Fears linked to horrific situations often stem from evolutionary survival mechanisms, where the brain recognizes danger.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and shows exploit horrific elements to draw in audiences, making thrillers and horror films immensely popular.
- The term 'horrific' is commonly used in discussions about true crime, where real events are described in a chilling manner.
- Horrific themes are also prominent in video games, contributing to immersive experiences that engage players with fear-based narratives.
Art
- Visual artists, such as Francis Bacon, often depict horrific imagery to explore themes of suffering, isolation, and existential dread.
- Horror-themed art challenges viewers to confront their fears and the darker aspects of human existence.
- Exhibits focused on horrific art can provoke strong reactions, encouraging discussions about the boundaries of beauty and monstrosity.
Origin of 'horrific'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'horrific' comes from the Latin root 'horrere', which means 'to tremble' or 'to shudder'.
- It was first used in English around the early 1800s as a way to describe intense fear or dread.
- The prefix 'horr-' relates to horror, encapsulating feelings of extreme fear or disgust.
The word 'horrific' originated from the Latin word 'horror', meaning 'dread, fear, terror'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, derived from the French word 'horrifique'. Over time, 'horrific' has been used to describe things that provoke intense fear or shock, becoming a common adjective in describing terrifying or dreadful situations.
See also: horrendous, horrible, horribly, horrified, horrify, horrifying.