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

That might sound cool at a Trump rally, but Republicans aren’t ready either for the horrific optics of such an operation, or its pernicious economic effects.

From Slate

Mr Jones said: "155 individuals work at Ysgol Friars, and naturally each has been affected as a result of Neil Foden's horrific crimes."

From BBC

The 1982 report, prepared by Anglican clergyman Mark Ruston, about the canings said "the scale and severity of the practice was horrific", with accounts of boys beaten so badly they bled, with one describing how he needed to wear nappies until his wounds scabbed over.

From BBC

It has had, built into it, deep, horrific, and tragic flaws from the founding.

From Slate

"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