terrified

UK: ˈterɪfaɪd | US: ˈterəfaɪd

Definition

  1. adj. extremely frightened or scared

  2. v. (past tense of terrify) to cause someone to feel extreme fear

Structure
terr <frighten>ify <make>ed <past participle>terr <frighten>ify <make>ed <past participle>
Etymology

The word "terrified" traces back to Latin terrēre (to frighten), combined with the suffix -ify (to make), creating "terrify" (to cause fear). The addition of -ed marks it as a past participle, describing a state of having been frightened. The progression reflects a logical shift from the root concept of fear to the act of causing fear and finally to the resulting state of being scared.

Examples

  1. She was terrified of the dark as a child.

  2. The loud explosion terrified the entire neighborhood.

  3. His terrified expression revealed his fear of heights.

  4. The horror movie left me utterly terrified.

  5. The sudden storm terrified the sailors.