horrific

adjective

hor·​rif·​ic hȯ-ˈri-fik 

hä-

: having the power to horrify

a horrific account of the tragedy

horrifically

hȯ-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē 

hä-

adverb

Synonyms of horrific

• gruesome
• shocking
• horrible
• terrible
• nightmare
• horrifying
• frightening

Examples of horrific in a Sentence

horrific images of the devastation spurred many people to give generously

Recent Examples on the Web

But the Star Search experience turned horrific. —Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026

Following a horrific first season, Glenn and Jets general manager Darren Mougey have made several free-agent acquisitions in hopes of spearheading a massive turnaround in 2026. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

Few cops are so charismatic and horrific as Asbæk’s character. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026

The horrific shooting has rocked the Plainville community, with its reverberations being felt throughout the state. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French horrifique, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin horrificus "inspiring awe or dread, frightening," from horrēre "to be stiffly erect, bristle, shudder, shiver" + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic — more at horror entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for horrific

• pacific
• prolific
• salvific
• specific
• terrific
• calorific
• conspecific
• hieroglyphic
• honorific
• nonspecific
• scientific
• soporific