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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of terrify
There is no need for the theatrics of establishing disaster footage; these patients could simply stream into the ER, freezing and terrified, allowing the doctors to react in revealing, human ways.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
Since its debut in 2012, the NBC procedural drama has released 13 seasons featuring its ensemble of dedicated firefighters, paramedics and rescue personnel who work to save the city’s residents from terrifying life-or-death situations.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Charli adds as the woman’s face subtly transforms from patient to terrified.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
What is your trick for acting terrified in front of the camera?
—William Earl, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
Since its debut in 2012, the NBC procedural drama has released 13 seasons featuring its ensemble of dedicated firefighters, paramedics and rescue personnel who work to save the city’s residents from terrifying life-or-death situations.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Charli adds as the woman’s face subtly transforms from patient to terrified.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
What is your trick for acting terrified in front of the camera?
—William Earl, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify
Verb
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An American Airlines flight was forced to turn back around after a disruptive passenger began to frighten other passengers on the way from New York to Milan on Tuesday, April 8, the airline said.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.—
Zameena Mejia,
Refinery29,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As part of their efforts, the duo are trained to simply scare the animals off and run five to seven miles daily, rain or shine.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Ant scare Anthony Edwards finished with a team-high 28 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting from the field.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In a now-viral video from Stacy Goss, the family was startled by the sight of a huge bald eagle gawking at them, but more concerningly, at their dog Gnocchi.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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Area residents might remember similar sights of helicopters in 2023, when the sounds of gunfire and explosions from military training startled some in the Kansas City metro.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
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