horrific

adjective

hor·rif·ic hȯ-ˈri-fik

hä-

Synonyms of horrific next

: having the power to horrify

a horrific account of the tragedy

horrifically

hȯ-ˈri-fi-k(ə-)lē

hä-

adverb

Examples of horrific in a Sentence

horrific images of the devastation spurred many people to give generously

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But when Harvey goes missing, Batman is forced to descend into the city’s labyrinthian underground, uncovering a horrific conspiracy by a secret society that has ruled Gotham for ages, one that has ties to his parents’ tragic murder. —

Todd Spangler, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 Iran possessing nukes represents an existential threat to Israel’s security in a way that terror groups—despite their horrific actions—simply never did. —

Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024 Many people have reached out about Alissa telling them about the horrific abuse. —

Danielle Bacher, People.com, 18 Nov. 2024 The horrific implicated events occurring behind the convent walls trigger memories of Bill’s past and how altruistic actions of another influenced his life. —

Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for horrific

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French horrifique, going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin horrificus "inspiring awe or dread, frightening," from horrēre "to be stiffly erect, bristle, shudder, shiver" + -i- -i- + -ficus -fic — more at horror entry 1

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of horrific was in 1653

See more words from the same year