Terrified: meaning, definitions and examples

This word expresses an intense, overwhelming fear. It's suitable when someone is extremely scared to the point of being paralyzed by their fear.

• She was terrified when she saw the shadowy figure in her room
• The thought of losing her child left her absolutely terrified

Use this word for situations where someone is scared or alarmed, but not to the extreme degree of being 'terrified'. It suggests a more temporary or less intense feeling of fear.

• The loud bang in the middle of the night frightened all the children
• He was frightened by the sudden movement in the bushes

This is a general term for feeling fear and can be used in both serious and light-hearted contexts. It's less intense than 'terrified' or 'petrified'.

• She felt scared during the thunderstorm
• The movie was so scary that he got scared multiple times

This word describes a sudden, overwhelming fear that often leads to a loss of control and hasty, irrational actions.

• He panicked when he realized he had lost his passport at the airport
• The students panicked when the fire alarm went off during their exam

This word is appropriate when someone is shocked and appalled by something horrific or disturbing, often related to witnessing something gruesome or morally shocking.

• She was horrified to find out about the cruel treatment of the animals
• The crowd was horrified by the graphic scenes in the horror movie

This term implies being so scared that one is unable to move or think, almost as if turned to stone.

• She was petrified at the thought of speaking in front of a large audience
• The child stood petrified as the dog ran towards him