horrid
UK: ˈhɒrɪd | US: ˈhɔːrɪd
adj. causing horror; extremely unpleasant or disagreeable
adj. rough or bristling in texture (archaic)
horrid = horr<shudder, dread> + id<adjective suffix>
- horr: From Latin horrēre (to shudder, tremble, or bristle), reflecting fear or repulsion.
- id: A suffix forming adjectives, often indicating a state or quality (e.g., fluid, lucid).
Etymology Origin:
The word horrid traces back to Latin horridus (bristling, rough, or dreadful), derived from horrēre. Originally, it described physical roughness (e.g., a prickly surface) but evolved metaphorically to convey emotional dread or repulsiveness by the 17th century. The shift highlights how sensory experiences often inspire abstract emotional terms.
The abandoned house had a horrid atmosphere that made visitors uneasy.
She let out a horrid scream when she saw the spider.
The food tasted horrid, so he immediately spat it out.
His horrid manners ruined the dinner party.
The storm left behind a horrid mess of broken branches.