HORRIFY Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'horrify' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of horrify are appall , daunt , and dismay . While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion. // was horrified by such wanton cruelty

Q: When is 'appall' a more appropriate choice than 'horrify'?

While in some cases nearly identical to horrify , appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks. // I am appalled by your behavior

Q: In what contexts can 'daunt' take the place of 'horrify'?

In some situations, the words daunt and horrify are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage. // a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Q: Where would 'dismay' be a reasonable alternative to 'horrify'?

The words dismay and horrify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something. // dismayed at the size of the job

horrify

verb

ˈhȯr-ə-ˌfī

Definition of horrify next

as in to frighten

to strike with fear the old black-and-white psychological thriller still horrifies audiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb horrify contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of horrify are appall, daunt, and dismay. While all these words mean "to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion," horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

When is appall a more appropriate choice than horrify?

While in some cases nearly identical to horrify, appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

In what contexts can daunt take the place of horrify?

In some situations, the words daunt and horrify are roughly equivalent. However, daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Where would dismay be a reasonable alternative to horrify?

The words dismay and horrify are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of horrify Similarly, when the Russians recently published images of the new Su-57, Western analysts were horrified by its crude finish. —

David Hambling, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 In a video that circulated widely on social media, Shaban's arms could be seen reaching from the enveloping flames, horrifying a world that watched him being burned alive. —

Doha Madani, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024 The rest of the Valley appeared to have been horrified by the candidate—particularly by his draconian and racist views on immigration, on which the tech industry relies. —

Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024 My grandmother was horrified, and wants nothing to do with her. —

Sigal Samuel, Vox, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for horrify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for horrify

Verb

But Hanks does commendable supporting work as a nerdy FBI agent on Abagnale’s trail — essentially playing the sort of conventional square whose mediocre life frightens the restless, rootless Abagnale.

Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
There is little evidence wolves frighten elk merely by their presence, the authors say.

ByVirginia Morell, science.org, 23 Oct. 2024