horrify
UK: ˈhɒrɪfaɪ | US: ˈhɔːrɪfaɪ
vt. to cause extreme fear or shock
vt. to fill with horror or dread
horrify = horr<shudder, dread> + ify<to make>
- horr (from Latin horrēre, meaning "to tremble, shudder, or bristle with fear")
- ify (a verb-forming suffix from Latin -ificare, meaning "to make" or "to cause to become")
Etymology Origin:
The word "horrify" traces back to Latin horrēre, which described the physical reaction of shuddering or bristling (like hair standing on end due to fear). Combined with the suffix -ify, it evolved into a verb meaning "to cause dread or terror." The logic is straightforward: horr conveys the core idea of fear, while -ify turns it into an action—making someone feel that fear.
The gruesome scene in the movie will horrify sensitive viewers.
She was horrified by the news of the accident.
His reckless behavior horrified his parents.
The documentary aims to horrify audiences into taking action.
The thought of failing the exam horrified him.