terrify Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ter"ri*fy transitive verb

Etymology

L. terrere to frighten + -fy: cf. F. terrifier, L. terrificare. See Terrific, and -fy.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Terrified ; present participle & verbal noun Terrifying

Definitions

1. To make terrible. Obs.

   If the law, instead of aggravating and terrifying sin, shall give out license, it foils itself. Milton.

2. To alarm or shock with fear; to frighten.

   When ye shall hear of wars . . . be not terrified. Luke xxi. 9.