Terrify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈter-ə-ˌfī/ ter·ri·fy

Meaning & Definition of Terrify

Terrify (verb)

  1. to drive or impel by menacing, scare
  2. deter, intimidate
  3. to fill with terror

Terrify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to strike with fear

    "the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me"

    similar: affright, alarm, fright, frighten, horrify, panic, scare, scarify, shock, spook, startle, terrorize, give one the creeps, make one's flesh creep
    related: appall, bowl over, dismay, floor, jolt, shake, shake up, amaze, astound, awe, chill, daunt, demoralize, dispirit, emasculate, psych (out), undo, unman, unnerve, unstring, discomfort, discompose, disconcert, disquiet, distract, distress, disturb, perturb, unsettle, upset, worry
    opposite: reassure
    near: assure, cheer, comfort, console, solace, soothe, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Terrify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Terrify:

affright, alarm, fright, frighten, horrify, panic, scare, scarify, shock, spook, startle, terrorize, give one the creeps, make one's flesh creep

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Terrify

Words with the opposite meaning of Terrify:

reassure

Related Words for Terrify

appall, bowl over, dismay, floor, jolt, shake, shake up, amaze, astound, awe, chill, daunt, demoralize, dispirit, emasculate, psych (out), undo, unman, unnerve, unstring, discomfort, discompose, disconcert, disquiet, distract, distress, disturb, perturb, unsettle, upset

Near Antonyms of Terrify

assure, cheer, comfort, console, solace, soothe, embolden, encourage, hearten, inspire, steel

Word Forms of Terrify

Inflections: terrified, terrifying

Origin & Etymology of Terrify

Latin terrificare, from terrificus

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Terrify

Frequently Asked Questions about Terrify

What does "Terrify" mean?

"Terrify" means to drive or impel by menacing, scare. As a verb, it is defined as: to drive or impel by menacing, scare.

What is another word for "Terrify"?

Other words for "Terrify" include affright, alarm, fright, frighten, horrify, panic, scare and scarify. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Terrify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Terrify"?

There are 45 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Terrify". Common alternatives include affright, alarm, fright, frighten, horrify, panic, scare, scarify, shock and spook.

What is the opposite of "Terrify"?

Antonyms of "Terrify" include reassure. Near antonyms include assure, cheer, comfort and console.

How do you use "Terrify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Terrify" in a sentence: "the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me".

Is "Terrify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Terrify" is a verb.

Is "Terrify" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Terrify" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Terrify"?

"Terrify" is pronounced /ˈter-ə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as ter·ri·fy.