terrifying - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
terrifying Word Meanings
- to cause someone to feel extreme fear
- to frighten greatly
- to fill with terror
terrifying Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
terrifying Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɛr.ɪ.faɪ/
US
/ˈtɛr.ɪ.faɪ/
terrifying Word Etymology
terrify = terrere (to frighten) + -fy (to make); Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a dark shadow cast over you, instilling fear as you hear ominous sounds around you.
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
I move the lamp a little, tilting it toward the dark corner. A creak from the floor and a shadow in the doorway make me feel a jolt of fear, and the word terrify flickers in my mind. I adjust my grip on the chair, keep my breath steady, and ride the tension as the room seems to tighten around me. In real life, that tiny moment can terrify someone or yourself, and you learn to respond with calm words and quick actions.
Real Context
Terrify is a strong verb meaning to cause extreme fear in someone, often to overwhelm them with dread or horror. It can describe a sudden, shocking event that fills a person with terror, or a situation that makes a person feel unsafe or exposed. Common collocations include terrify someone, be terrified, terrifying, terrifyingly. Note that terrify implies a more intense fear than frighten or scare; the focus is on extreme, sometimes lasting fear rather than a quick startle. In usage, you might say the night noises terrify him, or the thought of failing terrifies her. In some contexts it can be transitive: the news terrified the villagers.
Usage Reminders
- Be precise about intensity
- Use transitive form: terrify someone
- Be careful with be terrified
- Avoid mixing with milder verbs
- Use in formal or dramatic contexts
- Pair with nouns that imply danger
Common Misconceptions
- Terrify equals scare or frighten; they are interchangeable for all fears.
- Terrify只能用在对人造成恐惧，不能用于情景或事件。
- Terrify必须涉及即时危险才能使用。
- Be terrified can be used with any fear, even small ones.
- Terrify is always used in active voice; passive is incorrect.
Thinking Differences
English tends to reserve 'terrify' for situations with clear, high-stakes threat or lasting fear; learners sometimes use it for minor shocks, which sounds hyperbolic in English.
Learning Tips
- Pair with concrete threats (the danger of storms) to show intensity
- Practice be terrified vs. terrified to master voice and mood
- Use synonyms for variety (frighten, scare) but keep terrify for extreme cases
- Notice collocations: terrify someone, terrifying scene
- Read dramatic passages to see how authors convey fear
- Don't overuse in casual speech; reserve for emphasis
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'terrifying'?
A.Exciting
B.Delicious
C.Boring
D.Scary
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'terrifying' used correctly?
A.He found the roller coaster ride terrifying.
B.She felt boring after watching that film.
C.The cake was terrifyingly good.
D.The weather was terrifyingly warm.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'terrifying'?
A.Brave
B.Joyful
C.Horrible
D.Peaceful
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'terrifying'?
A.Frightening
B.Alarming
C.Exciting
D.Safe
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation could 'terrifying' be used?
A.Watching a horror movie
B.Eating a delicious meal
C.Sleeping peacefully
D.Enjoying a sunny day at the beach
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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