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Definitions

terrify

[ter-uh-fahy] / ˈtɛr əˌfaɪ /
VERB
scare
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarm awe dismay frighten horrify intimidate petrify shock startle stun terrorize
STRONG
chill freeze fright paralyze spook stupefy
WEAK
scare stiff scare the pants off of scare to death strike fear into
Antonyms
STRONGEST
assure calm comfort encourage expect gladden help make happy please soothe
STRONG
heat incite
WEAK
delight

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.

Mary McCarthy has been driving for almost 20 years, but has only driven on the motorway about ten times in her life because they terrify her.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

And yes, SVB should terrify anyone paying attention.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 31, 2025

“I’ve come to view Jesus the way I’ve come to view Elvis. I love the guy, but some of the fan clubs terrify me.”

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

The sum effect is to silence and terrify and isolate people who need to be able to ask for help in the midst of a crisis.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2024

“Shoo!” he said loud enough to frighten little mice but not loud enough to terrify them.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.