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Definition of "terrify" []

  • To fill with terror; make deeply afraid. See Synonyms at frighten. (verb-transitive)
  • To menace or threaten; intimidate. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "terrify" in a sentence
  • "It used the term "climate porn" to describe what it categorized as alarmist language on climate issues meant to "thrill" and "terrify" - but which failed to encourage meaningful action."
  • "Charlie Cook recently wrote that Congress 'current poll numbers should "terrify" them, especially as they continue to lose support among the all-important independent voting bloc."
  • "Condoleezza Rice urged Qurei to back down during their July 29 meeting in Washington, saying his statements "terrify" Livni."