What does horrific mean?
Horrible in the sense of intensely frightening, horrific describes events, conditions, or consequences that inspire dread or revulsion. It may refer to a horrific tragedy, to scenes that are horrific in their violence or devastation, or to the horrific consequences of a decision or disaster. The word is deliberately emphatic, often stronger than frightening or horrifying, and it can also mean exceptionally bad without focusing primarily on fear. As a result, it is especially effective in journalism, historical accounts, and formal discussion of serious suffering. Although “horrific” occurs in standard British and American English, alternatives such as appalling and atrocious may sound somewhat less intense. In less formal contexts, it may be used broadly to emphasize how disastrous something is, as in “the waste was horrific,” but precise or sensitive discussion often benefits from specifying the nature of the harm.
adjectiveExtremely frightening or causing intense horror; also used informally to mean exceptionally bad or severe.
- Causing or characterized by extreme fear or horror.
- Used to characterize something exceptionally bad, severe, or destructive.
"Witnesses described the scenes in the aftermath of the disaster as horrific."
"The report gave a horrific account of the suffering caused by the storm."
"Years of conflict left the region with horrific social and economic damage."
One of the most forceful ways to say that something is terrifying, horrific also carries the sense of something so terrible that it leaves a lasting impression.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does horrific come from?
Horrible-derived usage ultimately comes from Latin, where horrēre means “to shudder” or “to be in horror,” and horrificus means “causing horror.” The English adjective horrific was borrowed in the early 17th century, originally in the sense “making a strong impression of horror or terror.” It later developed the broader sense of something extremely dreadful, while related English words such as horror, horrify, and horrible continued to reflect the same Latin root.
How horrific is actually used
The word is strongly emphatic and normally has a negative connotation. It is common in formal reporting and serious discussion, while its informal use for something exceptionally bad can sound less formal depending on context.
Easily confused with horrific
Terrific usually means extremely good, whereas horrific means intensely frightening or exceptionally bad.