horrified of

USAGE SUMMARY

"horrified of" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is an adjective phrase used to describe a feeling of intense fear or apprehension. For example: "She was horrified of the prospect of being alone in the dark alley at night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In a letter, the woman wrote, ""I have been sufficiently horrified of the illustrations….I will not be returning the books".

The New Yorker

So I felt like it was the most horrible thing I had ever done, and at the time, I was horrified of the consequences that it would have for me to have said, no.

Harvard Business Review

Seemingly horrified of ever sounding dull, they've made their experimental pop more fidgety than ever – the two-bit bhangra clattering through "No Bones" is exemplary – but a fondness for the funkier reaches of 80s synth-pop permeates the record and helps things cohere.

The Guardian - Music

I'm horrified of people seeing me without make-up because I've never had perfect skin.

Vice

I was always horrified of death by firing squads, especially when I thought of the large numbers of women and children who would have to be killed.

Los Angeles Times

She also had no memory of why it had started; she only knew that she was horrified of getting sick to her stomach.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The costs of the terrorism inspired by the war include much more than the number, however horrifying, of lives lost.

The New York Times

Deeply saddened & horrified to learn of this senseless mass shooting.

Huffington Post

Many of us are horrified, most of us mystified, nearly all of us paralyzed.

Huffington Post

The Leviathan (1651) horrified most of his contemporaries; Hobbes was accused of atheism and of "maligning the Human Nature".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The inquiry follows lengthy judicial examinations of horrifying tales of abuse in the Republic of Ireland.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "horrified of" to express a strong aversion or fear towards something, often something that is perceived as deeply unpleasant or dangerous. For clarity, ensure the object of fear is clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "horrified at/by/with" interchangeably with "horrified of" without considering the nuance. While "horrified at/by" are more common, "horrified of" implies a specific fear or aversion to something that you think might happen or recur.

Linguistic Context

Adjective phrase functioning as a predicate adjective. It describes the subject's state of being, specifically their feeling of horror or fear. This is evident in Ludwig's examples such as "I'm horrified of people seeing me without make-up."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "horrified of" is a grammatically correct, though less common, way to express a strong feeling of fear or aversion. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this expression functions as an adjective phrase, primarily used in news and media contexts to convey intense emotions. While alternatives like "terrified of" or "afraid of" are more frequently encountered, "horrified of" specifically emphasizes a deep-seated fear or dread. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in defining the object of fear to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig shows that it can be a powerful way to express feelings of unease.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrified of

This alternative conveys a strong sense of fear, similar to "horrified of", but emphasizes the fear aspect more directly.

afraid of

This alternative is a more general term for fear, but it can often be used interchangeably with "horrified of" depending on the context.

frightened by

This alternative is another way to describe a state of fear, focusing on the act of being frightened.

appalled by

This alternative shifts the focus to moral outrage and disgust, which can sometimes overlap with horror.

shocked by

This alternative emphasizes the surprise and disbelief associated with a horrifying event or situation.

dismayed by

This alternative suggests a feeling of disappointment and discouragement mixed with concern.

aghast at

This alternative conveys a sense of shock and revulsion, often used in formal contexts.

revolted by

This alternative emphasizes a strong feeling of disgust and aversion.

disgusted by

This alternative focuses solely on the feeling of revulsion and distaste.

averse to

This alternative conveys a strong dislike or unwillingness, which can sometimes stem from a sense of horror.

FAQs

How can I use "horrified of" in a sentence?

Use "horrified of" to express a deep fear or aversion towards something. For example, "She was horrified of /s/the+prospect+of being alone in the dark."

What's a good alternative to "horrified of"?

Alternatives include "terrified of", "afraid of", or "frightened by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "horrified by" or "horrified of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "horrified by" is more common. "Horrified of" emphasizes a specific fear, while "horrified by" expresses shock or disgust at something already experienced.

What is the difference between "horrified of" and "disgusted by"?

"Horrified of" implies a sense of fear or dread, while "disgusted by" implies a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval. The former focuses on anticipated negative consequences, the latter on present feelings of distaste.