horror

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "horror" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of intense fear or dread, often in the context of literature, film, or personal experiences. Example: "The horror of the situation left everyone speechless, unable to comprehend what had just happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Related: Election night TV – horror, tedium and constipated monologues ITV lost out for the second election in a row to Channel 4's Alternative Election Night fronted by former Newsnight anchor Jeremy Paxman and David Mitchell, among many others.

The Guardian

The report recalls the "indescribable horror" the charity faced when Ebola first struck last March.

The Guardian

People all over the world have expressed horror at Saudi Arabia's brutal treatment of the blogger Raif Badawi.

The Guardian - Opinion

Making a strong impression in third place was another new entry, the social media horror movie Unfriended.

The Guardian - Film

Episode one grabs your lapels and drags you headlong back into the Whitechapel filth, and within a few short minutes the air is thick with horror and calamity thanks to "an event".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To my horror, I realised that I was inadvertently hearing the truth about a vast conspiracy that had dogged me throughout my childhood.

The Guardian - Opinion

During that time there has been much outrage, shock, horror, etc expressed by the media and the tech industry.

The Guardian - Tech

Hollow A cursed tree is the root of rural evil in this British horror.

The Guardian - Film

Let's pretend I am hoping to write a horror story and have come to you both for advice.

The Guardian - Film

Related: After Labour's election horror, the soul-searching begins There is plenty of space for a social democratic party in Britain capable of speaking for two-thirds of the country or more, and able to appeal to both aspirational and left-behind voters.

The Guardian - Opinion

The horror, the horror of Victoria Station on a Saturday afternoon.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing fiction, consider using "horror" to categorize the genre or subgenre of your story, emphasizing elements meant to evoke fear and suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "horror" to describe minor inconveniences or dislikes. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke strong negative emotions.

Linguistic Context

"Horror" primarily functions as a noun, denoting an intense and painful emotion of fear, repugnance, or aversion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's also used to describe a genre of fiction that aims to evoke these feelings. Its grammatical function aligns with the example sentences provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Other

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "horror" is a versatile term, primarily functioning as a noun, to describe intense feelings of fear, repugnance, or aversion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans from expressing personal emotions to categorizing a specific genre in literature and film. The provided examples show that it's commonly used in News & Media and generally maintains a neutral register. While you should reserve the word for situations that evoke strong negative emotions, it's worth noting that it is a very common term and perfectly correct in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terror

Indicates extreme fear or dread, emphasizing a state of intense fright.

dread

Focuses on the anticipation of something terrible or unpleasant.

revulsion

Highlights a strong feeling of disgust or repugnance.

abhorrence

Implies a deep-seated hatred or aversion.

repugnance

Similar to revulsion, but may suggest a more intellectual rejection.

consternation

Expresses feelings of anxiety or dismay, often at something unexpected.

alarm

Indicates a sudden awareness of danger or threat.

panic

Refers to a sudden, overwhelming fear that can lead to irrational behavior.

intimidation

Highlights the act of frightening or threatening someone into submission.

awe

Though also indicates intense emotion, "awe" leans to amazement mixed with fear/respect.

FAQs

How can I use the word "horror" in a sentence?

You can use "horror" to describe a feeling of intense fear or repugnance, as in "The "horror of war"" or to refer to the genre, as in "I enjoy "horror movies"".

What are some synonyms for "horror" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "terror", "dread", "revulsion", or "abhorrence". Choose the word that best captures the specific emotion or situation you are describing.

Is it appropriate to use "horror" in formal writing?

Yes, "horror" is appropriate in formal writing when used to accurately describe intense feelings or situations. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.

What's the difference between "horror" and "fear"?

"Fear" is a general feeling of apprehension or fright, while "horror" is a more intense and profound emotion that combines fear with disgust or shock. "Horror" often implies a sense of moral outrage or revulsion in addition to fear.