chilling

American  

[chil-ing] / ˈtʃɪl ɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing or likely to cause a chill.

   the chilling effect of the high unemployment rate.

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Etymology

Origin of chilling

chill + -ing ²

Example Sentences

It also created a “chilling” effect among clinicians who were scared to share family-planning resources due to a fear of it affecting funding — even in countries with progressive policies on abortion.

From Salon

When the characters occasionally look at the camera, the effect is chilling, briefly but powerfully bridging the distance between then and now, them and us.

From Los Angeles Times

But for one glorious month, lots of chilling polar bears meant lots of tourists.

From Literature

To establish the right note of terror on a fog-strewn set by Arnulfo Maldonado that resembles the private chamber of a writer or madman, Page begins with Lady Macbeth’s chilling incantation.

From Los Angeles Times

And Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told The New York Times the raid was “intensely concerning,” and could have a chilling effect “on legitimate journalistic activity.”

From Salon

Related Words

• eerie
• horrifying
• shocking
• thrilling