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Horrify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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horrify

[ˈhɔrəˌfaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotion

To cause someone to feel extreme fear, shock, or disgust.

Synonyms

appall, shock, terrify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
horrify

Use this word when something causes a deep feeling of fear or disgust, often related to something gruesome or disturbing.

  • The scary movie failed to horrify the seasoned horror enthusiasts.
  • The gruesome crime scene horrified the police officers.
terrify

Use this word when something causes intense fear, panic, or dread. It's stronger than 'horrify' and usually involves a direct threat to safety or well-being.

  • The thought of being chased by a wild animal would terrify anyone.
  • The haunted house was designed to terrify its visitors.
appall

This word is often used to describe a reaction to something morally outrageous, shocking, or deeply disturbing. It frequently carries a tone of moral disapproval.

  • The politician's corrupt actions appalled the public.
  • I was appalled by the poor conditions in the animal shelter.
shock

This word is appropriate for sudden, unexpected news or events that cause surprise, disbelief, or strong emotional reactions. It can be either negative or neutral.

  • The sudden announcement of the company's closure shocked all the employees.
  • He was shocked to see his friend after so many years.

Examples of usage

  • She was horrified by the gruesome scene.
  • The news of the accident horrified everyone.
  • The thought of losing her child horrified her beyond words.
Context #2 | Verb

reaction

To react with horror or shock.

Synonyms

appall, shock, terrify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
horrify

Use 'horrify' when describing something that causes extreme fear or disgust, especially if it makes someone feel sick or very upset.

  • The gruesome details of the crime scene horrified the investigators.
  • The horror movie was designed to horrify the audience.
shock

Use 'shock' when something unexpected or upsetting causes a strong emotional reaction, often momentary and leaving someone stunned or bewildered.

  • The sudden death of their friend shocked them.
  • The announcement of the sudden policy change shocked the employees.
appall

Employ 'appall' when something causes deep shock or dismay, especially if it leads to strong feelings of fear or moral outrage.

  • She was appalled by the widespread corruption in the charity organization.
  • The news of the disaster appalled everyone in the community.
terrify

Use 'terrify' when describing something that causes intense fear or dread, often making someone feel seriously scared or panicked.

  • The sound of the thunderstorm terrified the children.
  • The idea of speaking in front of a large audience terrifies him.

Examples of usage

  • She horrified at the sight of blood.
  • He horrified at the news of the tragedy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiences that horrify can trigger a fight or flight response, causing a rush of adrenaline.
  • Facing horrifying imagery or ideas can often help people confront innate fears, leading to personal growth.
  • Horrifying stories or films serve as a safe way to explore fear, helping individuals understand and cope with anxiety.

Pop Culture

  • Horrifying themes are prevalent in many classic horror films, from 'Psycho' to modern scares like 'The Conjuring'.
  • The popularity of horror video games (like 'Resident Evil') keeps the thrill alive for those seeking a good scare.
  • Many bestselling novels, like Stephen King's works, employ a horrify element that grips readers and keeps them on edge.

Literature

  • Authors often use vivid and descriptive language to horrify readers, immersing them in suspense and dread.
  • Classic Gothic literature, such as Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', explores themes that horrify, posing questions about humanity.
  • The element of horror is often employed as a reflection of societal fears, tapping into cultural anxieties.

History

  • Historical texts detail horrifying events like the Black Plague, which reshaped society through fear and devastation.
  • Artworks during the Romantic period often highlighted horror as a theme, showcasing both beauty and fear in nature.
  • Reports from tragic events, such as wars or natural disasters, horrify readers and audiences, prompting social change.

Origin of 'horrify'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'horrere', which means 'to shudder' or 'to tremble'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 15th century, primarily used to describe feelings of fear or disgust.
  • The prefix 'horr-' relates to fear, setting the tone for its emotional impact.

The word 'horrify' originated from the Latin word 'horror', which means to bristle or shudder. Over time, 'horrify' evolved to describe the intense feeling of fear or shock that causes one to shudder. The word has been used in English literature and language to convey extreme emotions of terror and disgust.

See also: horrendous, horrible, horribly, horrific, horrified, horrifying.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,738, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.