terrify

verb

USTER-i-fy/ˈtɛɹɪfaɪ/

Formsterrifies, terrifying, terrified

3 meanings of terrify

1
verbtransitive
To make someone feel very afraid.
Like being so scared that you freeze and cannot move.
Loud thunderstorms terrify our dog every summer.
The thought of speaking in public terrifies many people.
Similarfrighten, scare, petrify, horrify, alarm
Oppositereassure, calm, comfort
2
verbtransitive
To threaten or frighten someone, often to control them.
Bullies terrify smaller kids to take their lunch money.
The gang terrified the whole neighborhood for years.
Similarintimidate, frighten, scare, cow, terrorize
Oppositereassure, embolden
Note
3
verbobsolete
To make something dreadful or full of dread.
Note

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Origin

From Latin terrificare, which came into English through Middle French terrifier.