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Definition of bloodcurdling

bloodcurdling

/ˈblʌdˌkɜːrd.lɪŋ/
blood · cur · dling
Adverb:bloodcurdlingly
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bloodcurdling Lexical Profile

bloodcurdling Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Causing or expressing extreme terror, horror, or shock; terrifying (especially of a scream, cry, or story).

Example

"A bloodcurdling shriek echoed through the empty theater during the climax of the gothic play."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

bloodbank
bloodbath
bloodborne
bloodcurdling
blooded
bloodfin
bloodhound

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century as a compound of 'blood' and 'curdling', drawing on the traditional folk belief that sudden, extreme terror literally causes a person's blood to chill and thicken in their veins.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bloodcurdling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bloodcurdling
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