terrific

[ tuh-rif-ik ]
See synonyms for terrific on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. extraordinarily great or intense: terrific speed.

  2. extremely good; wonderful: a terrific vacation.

  1. causing terror; terrifying.

Origin of terrific

1
1660–70; <Latin terrificus frightening, equivalent to terr(ēre) to frighten + -i--i- + -ficus-fic

Other words for terrific

Other words from terrific

  • ter·rif·i·cal·ly, adverb
  • un·ter·rif·ic, adjective
  • un·ter·rif·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby terrific

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use terrific in a sentence

  • A terrific yell of rage burst from every one, and each hastily threw something or other at the bold intruder.

    Hunting the Lions | R.M. Ballantyne
  • Giving a terrific whoop, he raised his gun and fired, the ball just missing Lawrence's head.

  • It was the early dawn of a bright summer day, succeeding a night of terrific storm and darkness.

    The World Before Them | Susanna Moodie
  • A terrific roar followed, the canvas was instantly torn open, and the whole tent fell in dire confusion on the top of its inmates.

    Hunting the Lions | R.M. Ballantyne
  • And it cannot do this unless it continues to use the terrific engine of taxation already fashioned in the war.

British Dictionary definitions for terrific

terrific

/ (təˈrɪfɪk) /


adjective
  1. very great or intense: a terrific noise

  2. informal very good; excellent: a terrific singer

  1. very frightening

Origin of terrific

1
C17: from Latin terrificus, from terrēre to frighten; see -fic

Derived forms of terrific

  • terrifically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012