as in to frighten
to strike with fear
the prospect of speaking in front of a huge crowd of people absolutely terrifies me
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of terrify
There is no need for the theatrics of establishing disaster footage; these patients could simply stream into the ER, freezing and terrified, allowing the doctors to react in revealing, human ways.
—
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
Since its debut in 2012, the NBC procedural drama has released 13 seasons featuring its ensemble of dedicated firefighters, paramedics and rescue personnel who work to save the city’s residents from terrifying life-or-death situations.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Charli adds as the woman’s face subtly transforms from patient to terrified.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
What is your trick for acting terrified in front of the camera?
—William Earl, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
Since its debut in 2012, the NBC procedural drama has released 13 seasons featuring its ensemble of dedicated firefighters, paramedics and rescue personnel who work to save the city’s residents from terrifying life-or-death situations.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Charli adds as the woman’s face subtly transforms from patient to terrified.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2025
What is your trick for acting terrified in front of the camera?
—William Earl, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify
Verb
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For the most part, yes, although children ages 8 and younger might be frightened by some of the action sequences.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
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Despite these protections on paper, permanent residents and visa-holders have been frightened by the speed and ferocity of the Trump administration’s crackdown and its bulldozing of due process rights, said Neil A. Weinrib, an immigration attorney for more than four decades.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As part of their efforts, the duo are trained to simply scare the animals off and run five to seven miles daily, rain or shine.—
Brenton Blanchet,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Ant scare Anthony Edwards finished with a team-high 28 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting from the field.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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One of the movie’s scenes — startling for its frankness but also its visual beauty — finds the men reclined in the dark of the mine.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Advertisement The investigations left some school leaders startled and confused, wondering what prompted the inquiries.—
TIME,
TIME,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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