horror

The word “horror” means a strong feeling of fear, shock, or disgust. In plain terms, a feeling of intense fear or disgust, or something that causes it — also a genre of scary books and films.

“Horror” is pronounced HOR-uh (/ˈhɔɹ.ɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “horror” used in a sentence: “She stared in horror as the car skidded off the road.”

Words with a similar meaning to “horror” include nightmare.

“Horror” is a noun.

The word “horror” comes from Latin. From Old French horror, going back to Latin horrere, "to bristle or shudder" — the same idea as hair standing on end from fear.

“Horror” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Horror” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.

Terror is the intense fear felt when danger is imminent or anticipated — the dread before something happens. Horror is the shock and revulsion felt on witnessing something dreadful, often mixed with disgust. In short, terror grips you as you await a threat, while horror overwhelms you once you see it.

Fear is the basic emotion of feeling threatened or in danger. Horror is stronger and more complex, combining fear with shock and disgust at something terrible or repellent. You can feel fear of ordinary risks, but horror is reserved for scenes or events that appal as well as frighten.

In books, films, and games, horror is a genre designed to frighten, shock, or disturb its audience. It uses threats such as monsters, ghosts, or killers, along with suspense and unsettling imagery, to provoke the very feelings of fear and revulsion the word describes.