terrible
UK: ˈterəbl | US: ˈterəbl
adj. causing extreme fear or dread
adj. extremely severe or serious
adj. (informal) very bad or unpleasant
The word terrible traces back to Latin terribilis, derived from terrere (to frighten). Over time, it evolved in Old French as terrible before entering Middle English. Originally tied to inspiring terror, its meaning broadened to describe anything extreme or intensely negative, reflecting the emotional weight of fear.
The storm was so terrible that it destroyed entire villages.
She had a terrible headache after working all night.
His performance in the play was terrible; he forgot all his lines.
The movie’s special effects were terrible, ruining the experience.
The news of the accident left everyone in a terrible state of shock.