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Synonyms

horrifying

British  
/ ˈhɒrɪˌfaɪɪŋ /

adjective

  1. causing feelings of horror in; awful; terrifying;

  2. dismaying or greatly shocking; dreadful

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • horrifyingly adverb

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I'm experienced enough with PAs to know that not all PAs are amazing drivers. And that's just a reality of life. I find the consequences horrifying."

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Dramatizing a real-life incident with a tense one-location framework, the movie deploys a horrifying audio recording and the well-meaning efforts of actors.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

It’s horrifying that young girls paid the price for going to school in the middle of a war they did not start.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

It is, at times, horrifying and anxiety-inducing; at others, it’s frustratingly drab.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

And then, as if the situation was not horrifying enough, Gwenforte trotted up and sat down beside Jeanne, as if she, too, were refusing to pay obeisance to King Louis IX of France.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz