chilling

[ chil-ing ]

adjective

1. causing or likely to cause a chill:

   the chilling effect of the high unemployment rate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chilling¹

chill + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Listeners rated these sounds as extremely chilling and frightening.

From Science Daily

But then messages calling for retaliation appeared on social media, some using chilling terms such as "Jew hunt".

From BBC

The track is alive with phantom creaks and a chilling atmosphere; it sounds like it was recorded in the attic of a haunted house.

From New York Times

This chilling response underscores an uncomfortable reality: Immigrants do not live in isolation.

From Los Angeles Times

“It has a chilling effect,” Strong, a high school English teacher, said of the backlash he has endured in fighting to prevent schools from banning books on race and sexual identity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eerie
• horrifying
• shocking
• thrilling