terrifying
/ˈterɪfaɪɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈterɪfaɪɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈter-ə-ˌfī-iŋ ˈte-rə-/ (ame, mw)
terrifying — adjective
- terrifyingpositive
- more terrifyingcomparative
- most terrifyingsuperlative
1. causing such a strong feeling of fear or dread that a person feels shocked, froz
causing such a strong feeling of fear or dread that a person feels shocked, frozen, or unable to think clearly
The family had a terrifying experience when their jeep nearly slid off the mountain road.
attributive use: terrifying + experience
Jenna woke up from a terrifying dream about being trapped in a burning building.
Speaking in front of a thousand people was absolutely terrifying for Théo at first.
Rescuers described the mine collapse as the most terrifying scene they had ever witnessed.
Aoi found it terrifying to walk home alone through the dark forest at midnight.
- frightening
less intense than terrifying; more common in everyday conversation
- horrifying
carries additional shock or disgust beyond fear
- petrifying
even stronger than terrifying; suggests being frozen with fear
- scary
more informal and less extreme; suitable for everyday use
- reassuring
comforting and reducing fear
- comforting
providing a sense of safety and calm
文法句型
terrifying + noun (attributive)
be + terrifying (predicative)
absolutely / truly / quite + terrifying
用法筆記
Terrifying is a strong adjective, so in natural English it is not usually modified by 'very'. Instead, use 'absolutely', 'truly', or 'quite' (e.g. 'an absolutely terrifying film'). The intensity scale runs: scary → frightening → terrifying → petrifying, with terrifying indicating an extreme level of fear that may leave a person shocked or unable to react.