Terrify

Definition

Terrify is a verb used to describe the act of causing extreme fear or terror in someone.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrɪˌfaɪ/
• Respelling: TER-ih-fy (with "TER" as in "terrible," "ih" as in "bit," and "fy" as in "fly")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɛrɪfaɪ/
• Respelling: TER-ih-fy (similar to American English, with "TER" as in "terrible," "ih" as in "bit," and "fy" like in "fly")

In both dialects, "terrify" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TER." The word combines "terri-" from "terror" with the suffix "-fy," indicating the action of causing fear. The pronunciation of "terrify" is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The word "terrify" has its origins in the Latin verb terrēre which means 'to frighten'. This Latin verb is also the root of other related English words like terror and terrific, although terrific has evolved to have a positive connotation in modern usage.

Derivatives

• Terrifying (adjective)
• Terrified (adjective)
• Terrifier (noun)
• Terrification (noun)
• Terrifyingly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Frighten
• Scare
• Intimidate

Antonyms

• Comfort
• Reassure
• Console

Usage

• Terrify is often used to describe situations or entities that induce a high degree of fear or terror.
• It can be used in both a literal and figurative sense.

Related Terms

• Terrifying
• Terrified
• Terrification

Detailed Definition

Verb

• Causing Fear: To cause extreme fear or terror in someone.
• Example: The haunting sounds of the forest at night terrify the campers.

• Intimidate: To make someone extremely afraid through intimidation or threats.
• Example: The tyrant would terrify his subjects into submission.