hair-raiser

[ hair-rey-zer ]

noun

1. a story, experience, etc., that is terrifying or thrilling.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hair-raiser¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

That was a regular hair-raiser, as the fellow said when he finished the blood-and-thunder story.

From Project Gutenberg

Consider me as one of the public,” he said, “and give me a hair-raiser.

From Project Gutenberg

There was one more hair-raiser ahead—the appalling curve at the forks of the Goose.

From Project Gutenberg

As Dave said, it was truly "a hair raiser," and he felt a quick chill creep down his backbone.

From Project Gutenberg

That panther story was a veritable hair-raiser; and we were never tired of hearing the old man tell it.

From Project Gutenberg