terrify
verb (used with object)
to fill with terror or alarm; make greatly afraid.
has terrified
-
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
Becoming the focus of this type of attention has terrified and infuriated the staff at the butterfly center, some of whom have taken steps to protect themselves online and at work.
From New York Times ● Feb. 6, 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
This fragile sky has terrified you your whole life.
From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat
