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Definition of terrify

terrify

/ˈtɛr.ə.faɪ/
ter · ri · fy
Adverb:terrifyingly
•
Adjective:terrifying
•
Past Simple:terrified
•
Past Participle:terrified
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Present Participle:terrifying
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terrify Lexical Profile

terrify Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause someone or an animal to feel extreme fear, dread, or panic.

Example

"The sudden rumble of thunder seemed to terrify the young puppy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for terrify

• Nearby Words

terrifically
terrified
terrifier
terrify
terrifying
terrifyingly
terrine

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin terrificare ('to frighten'), a compound formed from terrificus ('causing terror') and the verb-forming suffix -ficare ('to make'), ultimately rooted in terrere ('to fill with fear or make tremble').

Cite this Entry

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