horrific

[ haw-rif-ik, ho- ]

adjective

1. causing horror.

horrific

/ hə-; hɒˈrɪfɪk /

adjective

1. provoking horror; horrible

Derived Forms

• horˈrifically, adverb

Other Words From

• hor·rifi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of horrific¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin horrificus, equivalent to horri-, combining form of horrēre “to bristle with fear” + -ficus -fic

Example Sentences

It found that Smyth was an "appalling abuser of children and young men. His abuse was prolific, brutal and horrific".

From BBC

“Prolific, brutal and horrific” – these words sum up four decades of abuse meted out by John Smyth and affecting scores of boys in the UK and Africa.

From BBC

Mr Tiwana pointed out his client’s guilty plea, remorse, attempts to stop the attack and array of health issues including chest, lung and heart problems, but the judge said the attack had been "horrific".

From BBC

A mother said her two-year-old son was lucky to be alive after he was "horrifically" attacked by a pocket bully dog while trick or treating.

From BBC

"I'm not scared to die but I am scared of a bad death – a long, drawn-out, brutal, horrific death. That terrifies me."

From BBC

Related Words

• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• cruel
• disgusting
• dreadful
• eerie
• frightful
• ghastly
• grim
• grisly
• gruesome
• hair-raising
• heinous
• hideous
• horrid