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Definition of harrowing

harrowing

/ˈhær.oʊ.ɪŋ/
har · row · ing
Adverb:harrowingly
•
Plural:harrowings
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harrowing Lexical Profile

harrowing Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Acutely distressing, painful, or terrifying.

Example

"The survivors shared a harrowing account of their three days stranded in the blizzard."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The agricultural process of drawing a harrow over plowed land to break up clods of soil, remove weeds, or cover seeds.

Example

"Spring harrowing prepares the rough, upturned soil for a smooth and even seedbed."

2

An act of plundering, despoiling, or inflicting severe distress.

Example

"Medieval mystery plays frequently depicted the Harrowing of Hell with vivid dramatic intensity."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

harried
harrier
harrow
harrowing
harrowingly
harrumph
harry

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'harrow', from Middle English 'harwen', meaning to draw a heavy spiked frame over plowed land to break up clods of earth, metaphorically extended to describe something that tears at or torments the mind.

Cite this Entry

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