bloodcurdling

[ bluhd-kurd-ling, -kur-dl-ing ]

adjective

1. arousing terror; horrifying:

   a bloodcurdling scream.

bloodcurdling

/ ˈblʌdˌkɜːdlɪŋ /

adjective

1. terrifying; horrifying

Derived Forms

• ˈbloodˌcurdlingly, adverb

Other Words From

• bloodcurdling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodcurdling¹

First recorded in 1930–35; blood + curdle + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Creator Timothy Haskell has a reputation for putting on a bloodcurdling show.

From The Daily Beast

A few beats later, the most shrill, bloodcurdling scream erupted out of the bathroom.

From The Daily Beast

Chumru, though no fighting-man, realized that he was expected to make a row and uttered a bloodcurdling yell.

From Project Gutenberg

Seeing that the coast was clear he took up his seat in the sun and soon was lost in the depth of a bloodcurdling detective story.

From Project Gutenberg

I fired again point blank as the huge mouth, baring four ugly fangs, opened and emitted a bloodcurdling howl.

From Project Gutenberg

Lynda, Betty, Truedale, and Brace read bloodcurdling horrors to her and took her to plays—the best.

From Project Gutenberg

Was a tremendous speech—bloodcurdling, convincing, and delivered with much animation.

From Project Gutenberg