Horrified Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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horrified

[ˈhɒrɪfaɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Feeling or showing extreme fear, shock, or disgust.

Synonyms

aghast, appalled, shocked, terrified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
horrified	Use this word when someone feels extreme fear or disgust, often because of something shocking or gruesome. It conveys a strong reaction to a very unpleasant event. She was horrified when she found out about the accident. The family felt horrified by the ghastly scene.
appalled	This word is typically used when someone is deeply shocked or offended, often because of something morally wrong or extremely distressing. It has a negative connotation. She was appalled by the corruption in the organization. He felt appalled by the inhumane treatment of animals.
aghast	This word is often used when someone is filled with shock or amazement, usually because of something unexpected or shocking. It combines elements of surprise and fear. He was aghast at the news of the natural disaster. They stood aghast as the building collapsed.
terrified	This word is used when someone is extremely scared, often due to a direct threat or danger. It implies a very high level of fear. He was terrified of the spider in his room. The villagers were terrified by the approaching storm.
shocked	Use 'shocked' when someone is surprised and disturbed, usually by an unexpected event or information. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts. She was shocked to receive the promotion. They were shocked by the sudden death of their friend.

Examples of usage

She was horrified by the news of the accident.
The horrified expression on his face said it all.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Causing a feeling of extreme fear, shock, or disgust.

Synonyms

appalling, frightening, shocking, terrifying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
horrified	This word is used when someone feels a mix of shock, fear, and disgust, usually because of something really bad or unsettling. She was horrified to find out the truth. He looked horrified when he saw the accident.
appalling	This describes something extremely bad or outrageous, often eliciting a reaction of shock or strong disapproval. The conditions in the shelter were appalling. His behavior at the meeting was appalling.
shocking	This term is often used to describe something unexpected and disturbing, causing a feeling of surprise mixed with dismay. The news of his resignation was shocking. She heard some shocking gossip at the party.
frightening	This word is used to describe something that causes someone to feel scared or afraid. A loud noise in the middle of the night can be very frightening. The idea of losing my job is frightening.
terrifying	This word refers to something that instills an intense sense of fear, often to a paralyzing degree. The haunted house was absolutely terrifying. The thought of public speaking is terrifying to him.

Examples of usage

The horrified look on her face made me realize something was terribly wrong.
The horrified screams echoed through the dark night.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Being horrified can trigger the fight-or-flight response, making your heart race and your body feel tense.
This intense emotion often leads to lasting memories of the experience, as our brains prioritize negative experiences for survival.
People react differently to horror: some might laugh it off, while others may freeze in place.

Pop Culture

Horror films often aim to elicit this feeling, using sound, imagery, and plot twists to scare audiences.
Books like 'Frankenstein' and 'Dracula' created a genre where readers regularly felt horrified, leading to modern horror storytelling.
In games and shows, this emotional response is often manipulated through unexpected jump scares or psychologically intense scenes.

Literature

Poets and novelists use this emotion to create tension, often leading characters into terrifying situations that reflect their inner fears.
Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King are masters at writing scenarios that leave readers feeling horrified.
In classic literature, characters often experience this emotion when confronting the unknown or when their morality is challenged.

Art

Visual artists sometimes depict horrifying scenes to provoke a strong emotional reaction, as seen in works from the Romantic era.
Many famous paintings represent themes of horror or existential dread, compelling viewers to confront their fears.
In modern art installations, some artists explore themes of horror to challenge societal norms and provoke thought.

Origin of 'horrified'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'horrere', which means 'to tremble' or 'to bristle'.
The word has been used in English since the late 15th century, initially describing a strong, negative emotional response.
Related words include 'horror' (the feeling of intense fear) and 'horrific' (causing horror).

The word 'horrified' originated from the late 18th century, with the root word 'horror' dating back to the early 14th century. It is derived from the Latin word 'horror', meaning 'dread, shaking, or shivering with fear'. Over time, 'horrified' has evolved to convey intense feelings of fear, shock, or disgust.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,012, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14009 fearless
14010 shivered
14011 aught
14012 horrified
14013 arsenal
14014 highlands
14015 guessing
...