horrifying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "horrifying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes fear, shock, or disgust. Example: "The documentary revealed horrifying truths about the treatment of animals in factory farms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then, in moments of horrifying lucidity, I remember my own pre-internet teen years and I realise all too keenly that regardless of where you are, adolescence is, for the majority, about experimenting and taking risks.

The Guardian - Opinion

The experience was horrifying I must say, and we can never guess how it was for the victims during the actual blitz.

The Guardian

It is horrifying not only because of the sadistic violence she endured, but also because of how easily she seemed to slip into this spiral of depravity and how difficult she found it to get out.

The Guardian

The thought of new grammar schools popping up in hitherto wholly comprehensive areas will be chilling for many heads, and is frankly horrifying for all of us who know that only all-ability schools can deliver real social cohesion and equal chances.

The Guardian

"It is unthinkable, horrifying given what I know about his history," she said, recalling the disappearance of her sister.

The Guardian

Wonderfully stimulating, grossly horrifying, yet somehow utterly festive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr Erdogan has spent much of the past year horrifying liberal supporters with threats to revive the death penalty, raining insults on the "corpse loving" BDP (a pro-Kurdish party), vowing to crush the rebels through military might, and imprisoning hundreds of Kurdish politicians and activists on the thinnest of charges.

The Economist

It is a page-turning if horrifying read and a triumph of thorough, fair-minded reporting and of empathy.

The Economist

Yet quality of instruction, the authors say, remains generally "horrifying".

The Economist

The only exception is North Korea.Wars can be Godless tooIt is possible that these similarities could escalate into something horrifying.

The Economist

He found it horrifying: "nearly naked figures, viewed by the light of blazing fires, all moving in hideous harmony…"Whatever Darwin's personal sensibilities, Mr Wade is convinced that a Darwinian approach offers the key to understanding religion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "horrifying" to describe events or situations that evoke a strong sense of fear, disgust, or shock. Ensure the context warrants such a strong term to avoid exaggeration.

Common error

Avoid using "horrifying" to describe mildly unpleasant situations. Reserve it for truly shocking or disturbing events to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "horrifying" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes intense fear, shock, or disgust. Ludwig confirms its accurate and usable application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "horrifying" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective, primarily used to describe events or situations that elicit strong feelings of fear, disgust, or shock. As Ludwig confirms, it’s deemed appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media, though mindful usage is recommended to maintain its intended impact. Related terms such as "terrifying", "appalling", and "dreadful" can be employed to introduce subtle nuances. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively harness the power of "horrifying" to convey the gravity and unsettling nature of the subject matter at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrific

Very close synonym, almost interchangeable in many contexts.

horrendous

Similar to horrific, but can imply a broader scope of negative impact.

terrifying

Emphasizes the fear-inducing aspect more strongly.

appalling

Highlights the shocking and morally offensive nature.

dreadful

Focuses on the unpleasant and severe quality of the experience.

shocking

Stresses the element of surprise and disbelief.

frightening

Similar to terrifying, but potentially less intense.

ghastly

Implies a severe and often unnatural level of unpleasantness.

atrocious

Highlights the extreme wickedness or cruelty involved.

gruesome

Focuses on the repulsive and disturbing physical details.

FAQs

How can I use "horrifying" in a sentence?

"Horrifying" is used to describe something that causes intense fear, shock, or disgust. For example, "The documentary revealed "horrifying" truths about the treatment of animals."

What can I say instead of "horrifying"?

You can use alternatives like "terrifying", "appalling", or "dreadful" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "horrifying" stronger than "frightening"?

Yes, "horrifying" typically implies a more intense and deeply disturbing experience than "frightening". Frightening might suggest temporary fear, while horrifying suggests a more profound and lasting impact.

What's the difference between "horrifying" and "horrific"?

"Horrifying" describes something that causes horror, while "horrific" describes something that is full of horror or extremely bad. For example, a "horrifying experience" versus a "horrific accident".