as in to frighten
to strike with fear
the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of terrify
Nam-gyu, who is terrified without his drugs, is the first player to try to cross because Min-su dangles the cross necklace in his face, throws it onto the bridge, and taunts him to go get it.
—
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
The loud noises terrify many dogs and cats into running away — which is easier with more doors opening during parties.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The women on the ward were terrified by the sudden invasion of masked people.
—Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
As a result, foreign students across the U.S. are censoring themselves, and immigrant workers are terrified of calling out labor abuses for fear of deportation.
—Sonali Kolhatkar, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025
The loud noises terrify many dogs and cats into running away — which is easier with more doors opening during parties.
—Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The women on the ward were terrified by the sudden invasion of masked people.
—Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
As a result, foreign students across the U.S. are censoring themselves, and immigrant workers are terrified of calling out labor abuses for fear of deportation.
—Sonali Kolhatkar, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify
Verb
-
But their return has also angered and frightened livestock farmers and others in rural communities who are having to learn to live alongside these once nearly-extinct creatures.—
Ruth Sherlock,
NPR,
9 July 2025
-
But on Friday night, the booms and blasts of celebratory fireworks appear to have frightened them away.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
The combination of a floodlight and a camera is a great way to scare off intruders and get better quality footage at night.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
-
Simply pull the pin, and the device will emit a blaring siren sound in combination with a strobe light that will draw attention to your situation and scare away would-be threats.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Your trash schedule might not be top of mind this Independence Day between going to fireworks displays, making a last-minute run to the grocery store or getting startled by loud booms.—
Eleanor Nash
July 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
-
According to a crash report, a cicada flew into the driver's window, startling the driver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share