horrified

USAGE SUMMARY

'horrified' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe intense fear, shock, or revulsion. For example: "I was horrified at the state of the vandalized store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was horrified".

The New York Times - Arts

A clearly horrified Murdoch claimed the information was "read to me wrong" through her earpiece and offered an apology: "Oh my God, I don't know what to say right now.

The Guardian

Problem: In 2003, Zane Wilson, the founder of the South African Depression & Anxiety Group (Sadag), the country's largest mental health initiative, was horrified at how suicide rates among young South Africans were spiking.

The Guardian

My impression is that there are many people at FA headquarters, or high up at the Football League, who are horrified by what is happening and wonder like the rest of us where it is all going to end.

The Guardian - Sport

Mary's family were initially horrified at the offer.

The Guardian

I remember being horrified (and a tad judgemental): How could these parents have let their daughter – not even a toddler yet – become so engrossed with technology?

The Guardian - Opinion

Some were horrified at the idea of respectable mothers leaving their families for squalor and for politics.

The Guardian

Soames, an MP for Mid Sussex, the heart of the commuter belt, said he was horrified by the travesty of the railway industry's performance over Christmas, adding he was sure the transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, felt a similar sense of outrage.

The Guardian

Forty years ago today, when General Augusto Pinochet overthrew Salvador Allende, the elected president of Chile, democrats across the world were horrified.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Northern Ireland justice minister, David Ford, said he was "horrified and disgusted" over the unionist walkout.

The Guardian

I'm reluctant, because I know that if I were his partner I would be horrified.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance impact, follow "horrified" with a prepositional phrase explaining the cause of horror, such as "horrified by", "horrified at", or "horrified to see."

Common error

Avoid using "horrified" to describe minor disappointments or inconveniences. The word implies a severe emotional response; using it in trivial situations weakens its impact and can sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "horrified" is as an adjective, describing someone who experiences intense shock, fear, or disgust. It can also function as the past participle of the verb 'horrify'. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "horrified" effectively expresses intense shock, fear, or disgust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and frequently used term, primarily in news and media contexts. To maximize its impact, use it to describe severe emotional responses and specify the cause of horror. While "horrified" is a strong term, consider alternatives like "appalled" or "aghast" for nuanced expression. Proper usage helps maintain clarity and prevents diluting the word's powerful meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aghast

Implies a sudden feeling of great shock or dismay.

appalled

Indicates a strong feeling of shock and disapproval.

shocked

Denotes a sudden surprise, often unpleasant.

dismayed

Suggests a feeling of disappointment and discouragement.

outraged

Expresses strong indignation or anger.

terrified

Emphasizes extreme fear.

sickened

Suggests a feeling of disgust and revulsion.

revolted

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust or repulsion.

alarmed

Indicates a feeling of anxiety and concern.

scandalized

Implies shock and disapproval at something considered immoral.

FAQs

How can I use "horrified" in a sentence?

You can use "horrified" to describe a state of extreme shock or fear. For example, "I was horrified by the news" or "She was horrified to learn about the accident."

What are some words I can use instead of "horrified"?

Alternatives to "horrified" include "appalled", "aghast", or "shocked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "horrified" and "frightened"?

"Frightened" suggests a state of fear, while "horrified" implies a more intense reaction involving shock, disgust, or moral outrage. You might be frightened by a loud noise, but horrified by an act of cruelty.

Is it correct to say "I am horrified of" something?

While "horrified" describes a state of shock or disgust, it's more common to use prepositions like "by", "at", or "to". For example, "I am horrified by the violence" or "I was horrified to see the damage."