terrified 1 of 2

terrified

2 of 2

verb

past tense of terrify

Examples 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 terrified
Verb
The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2024 My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 McDonald plays her as a tragic heroine terrified of abandonment. Adam Moss, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024 Although conditions in Malibu may not be among the worst firefighters have seen, the Franklin fire has torched several vehicles and left residents who had to flee terrified. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 10 Dec. 2024 As the fighting ramped up in September, with daily missile barrages on the entire north, people were terrified of driving, fearing they’d be caught on the roads without shelter. Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024 Several subway riders testified they were terrified Neely was going to attack and they were relieved when Penny put him in a chokehold and kept him there. Gloria Pazmino, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024 My Unsung Hero She was terrified waiting for surgery. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024 To put that into context, people are terrified of aging or miserable in their bodies. Essence, 5 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrified
Adjective
  • Growers reported a drop in workers showing up to their jobs, and advocacy groups saw a surge of frightened families show up to legal workshops on how to protect themselves against deportation.
    Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025
  • When Julia arrived with a can of cat food, the first kitten had already been adopted, but the second—a frightened and feisty tabby—was still there.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Democrats and Republicans are afraid that their civil rights and their civil liberties are in jeopardy and look to the courts to protect their 14th and 15th Amendment rights.
    John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Just look at the Salem Witch Trials, which targeted people who weren’t afraid to live somewhat unconventional lives, like women who were financially-independent or unmarried.
    Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Read Next Florida Shelter thought dog was scared — but something else was wrong.
    Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Advertisement Thirty years ago, Blake was himself a scared kid.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Many fans online seemed shocked and bewildered by her post asking for another natural disaster.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Bryan Kirkwood, a security guard hired to protect homes from looters, was shocked to see the home torn apart.
    Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Confused and more alarmed, Rippy walked toward Mack’s bedroom, reached in and found a light switch.
    Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Felecia, having once listened to a podcast that characterized the diagnosis as controversial, grew alarmed.
    Pamela Colloff, ProPublica, 29 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • His lack of regard for democratic and institutional norms is overlooked by a large part of the population, and certain friendly and fearful media players.
    Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • In the later stages of the disease, deer become starved, weak and less fearful of humans.
    Sophie Hartley, Scientific American, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near terrified

Cite this Entry

“Terrified.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrified. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terrified

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!