adj
horrific
huh-RIH-fihk
adj
1
Causing horror; extremely frightening or shocking.
"The news showed horrific images from the earthquake zone."
"It was a horrific crash that closed the motorway for hours."
How to Use Horrific
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeeply shocking and frightening, usually describing real events like accidents or violence.
Common pairings
horrific injuries
horrific attack
horrific scenes
Word Forms
more horrific comparative, most horrific superlative
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The news showed _____ images from the earthquake zone.
Etymology
From Latin horrificus, from horreo ("to be afraid") + -ficus ("making").