Terrify: meaning, definitions and examples

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terrify

[ ˈter.ɪ.faɪ ]

Verb / Noun

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in horror movies

To cause extreme fear or terror in someone.

Synonyms

alarm, frighten, scare.

Examples of usage

She was terrified by the sound of footsteps behind her.
The haunted house movie had a terrifying effect on the audience.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in real-life situations

To make someone feel extremely frightened or scared.

Synonyms

dismay, horrify, petrify.

Examples of usage

The sudden loud noise terrified the children.
The thought of failing the exam terrified him.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general

An overwhelming feeling of fear or terror.

Synonyms

fear, horror, panic.

Examples of usage

She felt a sense of terror wash over her.
The terror in his eyes was evident.

Translations

Translations of the word "terrify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aterrorizar

🇮🇳 डराना

🇩🇪 erschrecken

🇮🇩 menakut-nakuti

🇺🇦 лякати

🇵🇱 przerażać

🇯🇵 怖がらせる

🇫🇷 terrifier

🇪🇸 aterrorizar

🇹🇷 korkutmak

🇰🇷 겁주다

🇸🇦 يخيف

🇨🇿 děsit

🇸🇰 desiť

🇨🇳 恐吓

🇸🇮 prestrašiti

🇮🇸 hræða

🇰🇿 қорқыту

🇬🇪 შიშველი

🇦🇿 qorxutmaq

🇲🇽 aterrorizar

Etymology

The word 'terrify' originated from the Latin word 'terrere', meaning 'to frighten'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in the English language. The concept of instilling fear or terror in others has been a part of human experience for centuries, and 'terrify' captures the essence of this intense emotion.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,687, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24684 ransacked
24685 participative
24686 roundness
24687 terrify
24688 credo
24689 consign
24690 ultrasonography
...