direful

[dahyuhr-fuhl]

adjective

1. dreadful; awful; terrible.

2. indicating trouble.

   direful forecasts.

Other Word Forms

• direfully adverb
• direfulness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of direful¹

First recorded in 1575–85; dire + -ful

Example Sentences

But at this direful moment she who had awakened no compassion in mortals or immortals was pitied by the tiniest creatures of the field, the little ants, the swift-runners.

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

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

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

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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.

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