horrific

UK: hɒˈrɪfɪk | US: hɔːˈrɪfɪk

Definition

  1. adj. causing horror; extremely shocking or frightening

  2. adj. exceedingly bad or unpleasant

Structure
horr <shudder, fear>ific <making, causing>horr <shudder, fear>ific <making, causing>
Etymology

The word horrific originates from Latin horrificus, combining horrēre (to shudder) and -ficus (making). It entered English in the 17th century, retaining its core sense of "causing horror." The morphemes vividly capture the progression from physical trembling (horr) to the creation (-ific) of a fearful state.

Examples

  1. The survivors described the earthquake as a horrific experience.

  2. The film's climax was so horrific that some viewers left the theater.

  3. The accident scene was too horrific to describe in detail.

  4. She had a horrific nightmare that left her sweating and trembling.

  5. The news reported horrific conditions in the war-torn region.