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
Less than a week after the Rangers selected him in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Adam Sýkora stood 100 stories above downtown Manhattan, terrified.
—
Peter Baugh, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The Hand & The Eye likely will open with little in the way of advance reservations, a situation that would terrify most producers of live entertainment.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Buildings destroyed by shelling damage bats’ shelters, and explosions terrify the tiny mammals, experts say.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
Residents of Tehran, the Iranian capital, say they are exhausted by the bombs that have battered their city on a daily basis and terrified of the security checkpoints that have popped up looking for spies.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Peter Baugh, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
The Hand & The Eye likely will open with little in the way of advance reservations, a situation that would terrify most producers of live entertainment.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Buildings destroyed by shelling damage bats’ shelters, and explosions terrify the tiny mammals, experts say.
—ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
Residents of Tehran, the Iranian capital, say they are exhausted by the bombs that have battered their city on a daily basis and terrified of the security checkpoints that have popped up looking for spies.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrify
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrify
Verb
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Several critics said the legislation introduces too many unknowns, adding that with the artificial intelligence legislation also under consideration, Connecticut is moving towards regulations that could frighten companies looking to grow in the state.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
24 Apr. 2026
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Lee Cronin was both flattered and frightened when Jason Blum suggested titling his The Mummy reimagining as Lee Cronin’s The Mummy.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Plus, nobody will careen past you at 110 mph, scaring you spitless.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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If the bear gets closer, shout and act aggressively to scare it off.—
Devarrick Turner,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Peafowl can also disturb landscaping and startle people with their piercing screams.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2026
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The gunfire startled sleeping guests at the Citizen Hotel, which included a wedding party and fans of the rapper Tyler the Creator, who performed at a concert hours earlier.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrify. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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