adj
harrowing
HA-roh-ihng
Harrowing (adj) means Extremely distressing or disturbing. Example: “She gave a harrowing account of surviving the flood.”
adj
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishDeeply upsetting, usually describing an experience, story, or scene.
Common pairings
harrowing experience
harrowing account
harrowing ordeal
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Word forms
- Plural
- harrowings
- Comparative
- more harrowing
- Superlative
- most harrowing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave a _____ account of surviving the flood.
Etymology
Formed from harrow plus -ing, from the older sense of harrow meaning "to torment."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for harrowing
See all rhymes for harrowing →Frequently asked questions
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.
