terrify

[ ter-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, ter·ri·fied, ter·ri·fy·ing.

1. to fill with terror or alarm; make greatly afraid.

terrify

/ ˈtɛrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to inspire fear or dread in; frighten greatly

Derived Forms

• ˈterriˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• terri·fier noun
• terri·fying·ly adverb
• un·terri·fied adjective
• un·terri·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrify¹

1565–75; < Latin terrificāre, equivalent to terr ( ēre ) to frighten + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrify¹

C16: from Latin terrificāre, from terrēre to alarm + facere to cause

Synonym Study

See frighten.

Example Sentences

As members of the crash recovery crew search for survivors among the wreckage, they encounter mysterious predatory life forms more terrifying than they could have ever imagined.

From Salon

Murray wasn’t worried about baring his abs for the film — it was the dancing that terrified him.

From Los Angeles Times

In love, it can be terrifying to show all your cards, to make yourself vulnerable, to let your desire be fully seen.

From New York Times

And for “Inside Out 2” — also nominally a comedy — they were steeped in one of the most terrifying circumstances: puberty.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am terrified for my daughter. I am terrified for everyone who doesn’t have savings and health insurance. Just thinking about this makes me cry.”

From Salon

Related Words

• alarm
• awe
• dismay
• frighten
• horrify
• intimidate
• petrify
• shock
• startle
• stun
• terrorize