terrifying

[ˈtɛɹɪfaɪ.ɪŋ]

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An experience or situation that's terrifying is extremely frightening and makes you feel anxious or scared.

You might hear people use the word "terrifying" when talking about something they witnessed, like a big storm or a scary movie. For example, someone might say, "The storm was terrifying – I've never seen anything so intense!" They're not just saying it was bad weather; they mean it really shook them up and made their heart beat fast.

How common is "terrifying"?

Word terrifying is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To frighten greatly; to fill with terror.
To menace or intimidate.
To make terrible.

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adjective

Frightening or intimidating.
Of a formidable nature; terrific

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Real examples of "terrifying" in context

Leonardo DiCaprio on 'Wolf of Wall Street,' Jonah Hill, Shark Survival Story

Interview

But it was absolutely terrifying.