TERRIFY Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

terrify

verb

ˈter-ə-ˌfī

Definition of terrify

as in to frighten

to strike with fear the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me

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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 Grissom told Storyful that he was terrified for his beloved pet, who had not left his side since his wife died five years ago. — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 Video shows the moment terrified people ran for cover as the shots rang out. — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Spotify is terrifying much of the podcast industry with a tiny little widget. — Max Tani, semafor.com, 9 Aug. 2026 What terrifies you about this moment and inspires you about this moment? — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify

Verb

The aggressive approach deeply disrupted and frightened the participants.

— Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Penelope, too, is asked to occupy a landscape that frightens her, not only as a neurodivergent child in a neurotypical culture, but as a child now situated in an adult world.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

This horror movie mostly just smelled of fake fog from a community theater production and occasionally you were startled by random bursts of air, once again pulling you from the events on screen.

— Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of startle

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terrifies

terrify

terrifying

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“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrify

verb

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