horrendous
UK: hɒˈrɛndəs | US: hɔːˈrɛndəs
adj. causing horror; extremely unpleasant or shocking
adj. exceedingly bad or dreadful
horrendous = horr<shudder, tremble> + endous<adjective suffix>
- horr: From Latin horrēre (to tremble, shudder), reflecting fear or dread.
- endous: An adjectival suffix derived from Latin -endus, indicating a quality or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word horrendous traces back to Latin horrendus, the gerundive form of horrēre (to bristle with fear). It originally described something so terrifying it made one’s hair stand on end. Over time, it broadened to describe anything overwhelmingly bad or shocking, retaining its intense negative connotation.
The storm caused horrendous damage to the coastal village.
She had a horrendous nightmare that left her sweating.
The traffic during rush hour was absolutely horrendous.
Critics described the film as a horrendous waste of talent.
He survived the horrendous accident with minor injuries.