horrific

[haw-rif-ik, ho-]

adjective

1. causing horror.

horrific

/ hə-, hɒˈrɪfɪk /

adjective

1. provoking horror; horrible

Other Word Forms

• horrifically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of horrific¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin horrificus, equivalent to horri-, combining form of horrēre “to bristle with fear” + -ficus -fic

Example Sentences

He seemed relaxed, at peace, like a man who had gone through something horrific but had come out the other side changed for the better.

From BBC

They described the comments as "horrific" and "unfathomably heartless".

From BBC

"It's absolutely horrific and demonstrates to the general public what a risky and unsafe job this really is."

From BBC

MP Mark Sewards said he would hold the government's "feet to the fire" to ensure regulations were brought in and this "horrific" case was not repeated.

From BBC

During the two years he was there, he witnessed horrific beatings and abuse of pupils.

From BBC

Related Words

• abominable 
• appalling 
• awful 
• cruel 
• disgusting 
• dreadful 
• eerie 
• frightful 
• ghastly 
• grim 
• grisly 
• gruesome 
• hair-raising 
• heinous 
• hideous 
• horrid