adj

harrowing

HA-roh-ihng

Harrowing (adj) means Extremely distressing or disturbing. Example: “She gave a harrowing account of surviving the flood.”

adj

Extremely distressing or disturbing.

"She gave a harrowing account of surviving the flood."

"The documentary includes harrowing footage from the war zone."

How to use harrowing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDeeply upsetting, usually describing an experience, story, or scene.

Common pairings

harrowing experience harrowing account harrowing ordeal

more harrowing comparative, harrowings plural, most harrowing superlative

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She gave a _____ account of surviving the flood.

Formed from harrow plus -ing, from the older sense of harrow meaning "to torment."

owing rowing towing bowing sowing lowing mowing growing knowing flowing plowing showing

What does “harrowing” mean?

The word “harrowing” means extremely distressing or disturbing. In plain terms, deeply upsetting, usually describing an experience, story, or scene.

How do you pronounce “harrowing”?

“Harrowing” is pronounced HA-roh-ihng (/ˈhæɹəʊ.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “harrowing” in a sentence?

Here is “harrowing” used in a sentence: “She gave a harrowing account of surviving the flood.”

What part of speech is “harrowing”?

“Harrowing” is an adjective.