direful

[ dahyuhr-fuhl ]

adjective

1. dreadful; awful; terrible.
2. indicating trouble:

   direful forecasts.

Other Words From

• direful·ly adverb
• direful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of direful¹

First recorded in 1575–85; dire + -ful

Example Sentences

Riding forward, Moffat and Waterboer found a young woman belonging to the Mantatees, whose whole appearance denoted direful want.

From Project Gutenberg

Ever since leaving England Charles and his followers had suffered from the most direful impecuniosity.

From Project Gutenberg

The Pope smiled when he saw his mighty frame and sinews of iron—a direful foe of the infidels!

From Project Gutenberg

Save for a mouthful of bread while he buckled on his armor, he had tasted none that direful day.

From Project Gutenberg

And as I reeled over the smoke, I saw you in direful peril, clutched by wanton hands, facing a fate worse than death!

From Project Gutenberg