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

He does not hide this—he has said clearly and repeatedly that his aim is to dismantle the rule of law, arrest his enemies, bring the army to police our streets, shut down the free press, and empower local armed militias to terrify anyone who stands in his way.

From Slate

“We got a jam-packed show for you guys tonight full of songs that you are not expecting to hear,” Carlile said at the outset — certainly one way to sell an idea likely to terrify a casual fan.

From Los Angeles Times

The goal, White says, was to show the world they were willing to terrify families in order to stop people from coming.

From Los Angeles Times

Ahead of a rare new showing on the BBC, here’s a look at how the drama still has the potential to terrify people.

From BBC

This should terrify anyone who understands the historical lessons of such a plan—especially from the likes of Donald Trump, a man who has repeatedly channeled Adolf Hitler and has promised to “cleanse” the blood of the nation from human "vermin."

From Salon

Related Words

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