direful

American  

[dahyuhr-fuhl] / ˈdaɪər fəl /

adjective

1. dreadful; awful; terrible.

2. indicating trouble.

   direful forecasts.

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Other Word Forms

• direfully adverb
• direfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of direful

First recorded in 1575–85; dire + -ful

Example Sentences

But less than 400 years after Columbus’ direful voyage, white settlers pushed their way west into Native American territory in so-called manifest destiny.

From The Guardian

I always say there is something direful in that sound.'

From BBC

Pliny the Elder not only considered lightning direful, but noticed it often accompanied volcanic eruptions.

From The Guardian

This eventuality, however, does not detract from the real value of the safety-stirrup, for neglect and ignorance will entail direful consequences in all ways.

From Project Gutenberg

It was fortunate that Saskia did not live to see such a direful change.

From Project Gutenberg