Horror: meaning, definitions and examples

When describing a deep feeling of shock and fear, often caused by something gruesome or extremely disturbing.

• The movie was so graphic it filled me with horror.
• She felt horror upon discovering the crime scene.

When describing an intense, overwhelming fear, often linked to violence or extreme danger.

• The village was in terror after the monster appeared.
• His face was filled with terror during the earthquake.

When referring to a sudden feeling of fear, often caused by something unexpected or surprising.

• The loud noise gave her a fright.
• He nearly jumped out of his skin in fright when the door slammed shut.

When talking about a strong feeling of worry or fear about something that might happen in the future.

• She felt a sense of dread as the exam results approached.
• His dread of speaking in public made him very nervous.

Used when something is extremely frightening or shocking, often related to danger or violence.

• She watched in horror as the building collapsed.
• The movie was filled with scenes of horror.

Used in situations involving extreme fear, often linked to threats or violence, and usually implying a prolonged state of fear rather than a momentary reaction.

• The children screamed in terror as the monster appeared.
• Living in a war zone, they were in constant terror.

Best used when describing a sudden and surprising event that causes strong emotional reactions, which can be either negative or, less frequently, mildly neutral.

• The news of his sudden death came as a shock to everyone.
• Her unexpected visit was a pleasant shock.

Applied when something is extremely unpleasant or offensive, often related to bad smells, tastes, or moral outrage. The context typically involves a strong aversion.

• He looked at the rotten food with disgust.
• She expressed her disgust at the unfair treatment.