horror - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
horror Word Meanings
- a feeling of great fear or dread
- a genre of literature or film that aims to scare
- an intense dislike or aversion
horror Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
horror Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhɒr.ə/
US
/ˈhɔːr.ər/
horror Word Etymology
horror = horrere (to shudder) + -or (noun suffix); Latin → Old French → English. Visualize a spine-chilling ghost that makes you shudder.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Footsteps slow, I move into the dim hall and push the door a crack to see what’s there. The light flickers and the shadow shifts, and I hold my breath as my heart pounds. A sudden draft changes the air, and I adjust my pace, deciding whether to turn back or press on. That prick of dread becomes a cue I recognize from horror in books or films, a mood I can keep with me when the room changes with the story.
Real Context
Horror is a strong feeling of fear or dread in response to something frightening, disturbing, or grotesque. It can describe a momentary reaction, or a deeper emotion that lingers after a shocking image or event. The word also names a genre of literature, film, and media whose main aim is to scare, unsettle, or thrill the audience. In everyday use, you might say a scene is horrifying or that you experienced horror at a terrifying accident; you would rarely call ordinary fear horror. Etymologically, horror comes from Latin horrere (to shudder) via Old French into English, and a vivid image like a spine-chilling ghost helps illustrate the idea.
Usage Reminders
- Choose horror for strong fear or the genre; use terrifying or horrifying for emphasis; horror is a noun (and occasionally adj as horrific); common phrases include horror movie, horror story, horror genre; avoid mixing with everyday fear; compare with terror or fear for nuance.
Common Misconceptions
- Horror is only about ghosts or supernatural events
- Horror means merely being scared for a moment
- All horror involves graphic violence
- Horror and terror are the same word
- Horror cannot describe everyday fear
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short) by noting horror works both as a felt emotion and a narrative category; English often reserves 'horror' for strong impact, while 'scary' is more everyday.
Learning Tips
- Learn horror as a noun and as part of common phrases (horror movie, horror story).
- Distinguish horror from frightening or scary; use horrific or terrifying for emphasis.
- Study collocations: horror genre, horror fan, horror icon; note connotations.
- Watch in context with subtitles to catch subtle nuances in tone.
- Compare horror with other fear words like fear, terror, dread to feel nuance.
- Practice forming sentences about a scene or genre you enjoy.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which genre of movies or literature would you typically find the theme of 'horror'?
A.Science Fiction
B.Comedy
C.Thriller
D.Romance
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'horror'?
A.Happiness
B.Terror
C.Love
D.Calm
Step 4: Opposite Words
What could be seen as the opposite of 'horror'?
A.Anger
B.Sadness
C.Delight
D.Disgust
Step 5: Mastery
How does the element of 'horror' add suspense and tension to a story?
A.By promoting relaxation and comfort
B.By enhancing excitement and pleasure
C.By inducing laughter and joy
D.By creating fear and anxiety in the audience
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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