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

There were some parents who did want their children to embrace the “white” world in hopes that it would improve their lives, although certainly not in such horrific conditions.

From Los Angeles Times

Even tableaux of destruction compel the eye, less war as spectacle than some horrific inverse of the creative process.

From Los Angeles Times

"We must work together to better prevent these horrific crimes from happening, and hold those responsible to account."

From BBC

The text exchange and horrific pun triggered a huge fight.

From Los Angeles Times

He instead bankrupted his country with a horrific war that eventually led to much of the nation being bombed into oblivion.

From Salon

Related Words

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