terrify
verb (used with object)
to fill with terror or alarm; make greatly afraid.
has terrified
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present perfectof terrify (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The impending doom of economic insecurity has terrified us—and rightfully so.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 18, 2025
"Many of us are wondering if he was killed because he was a Muslim. I don't know if that's true, but this incident has terrified the city. We deserve better."
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2023
While Haitians have endured relentless bloodshed and tragedy for years, the escalation of lawlessness in recent weeks and the government’s inability to exert control has terrified the nation.
From New York Times ● Jul. 30, 2022
The prospect of the arrival of coronavirus in a country with just 500 doctors and around 5,000 hospital beds and which struggles to deal with even routine illnesses has terrified the public.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 10, 2020
“I’m leaving. Your henchman has terrified me completely. I shall never make the mistake of even passing by this vile pigsty.”
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
