terrify

[ter-uh-fahy] / ˈtɛr əˌfaɪ /

VERB

scare

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarm awe dismay frighten horrify intimidate petrify shock startle stun terrorize

STRONG

chill freeze fright paralyze spook stupefy

WEAK

scare stiff scare the pants off of scare to death strike fear into

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assure calm comfort encourage expect gladden help make happy please soothe

STRONG

heat incite

WEAK

delight

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It seems to me that the math behind the analysis was designed to terrify, not inform.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 30, 2025

“I’ve come to view Jesus the way I’ve come to view Elvis. I love the guy, but some of the fan clubs terrify me.”

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

Katie Gauche, of the Disabled Children's Partnership, said the idea of scrapping plans will "terrify families".

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

The sum effect is to silence and terrify and isolate people who need to be able to ask for help in the midst of a crisis.

From Slate • Jun. 7, 2024

She goes to them, but they terrify her.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti