Terrifying vs. Horrifying: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 18, 2023
Terrifying evokes intense fear or terror, often related to immediate or impending danger, while horrifying implies shock or disgust, usually due to witnessing something appalling or repulsive.
Key Differences
Terrifying describes a feeling of extreme fear, often associated with immediate threats or danger, eliciting a strong emotional and physical response. Horrifying, on the other hand, involves a reaction of horror, typically stemming from shock or repulsion at something gruesome or morally repugnant.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
A terrifying experience is one that instills a sense of panic or dread, often related to personal safety or existential threats. Horrifying experiences tend to evoke disgust or shock, arising from witnessing something deeply unsettling or morally disturbing.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
The term terrifying is often used in contexts of danger, thrill, or suspense, such as in horror movies or intense situations. Horrifying is used to describe reactions to events or scenes that are shockingly offensive, gruesome, or morally abhorrent.
Huma Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
While both terrifying and horrifying can describe intense negative experiences, terrifying often implies a direct impact on one's sense of security or survival. In contrast, horrifying may not directly threaten the individual but invokes a strong sense of revulsion or indignation.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Terrifying situations are those where the fear is predominant, causing alarm or dread. Horrifying situations, while they can be fearful, are primarily characterized by their capacity to shock or cause revulsion due to their nature or implications.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Physical Response
Panic, dread, heightened alertness
Shock, revulsion, moral indignation
Huma Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Typical Usage
Horror movies, suspenseful situations
Gruesome, morally disturbing scenarios
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Impact on Viewer
Direct sense of danger
Revulsion or shock, not necessarily direct danger
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
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Terrifying and Horrifying Definitions
Terrifying
Extremely frightening or intimidating.
The haunted house was terrifying to the visitors.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Horrifying
Extremely disturbing or repulsive.
The details of the accident were horrifying.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Terrifying
Capable of instilling a deep sense of dread.
The thought of being lost in the wilderness is terrifying.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Horrifying
Causing horror, shock, or disgust.
The crime scene was horrifying to behold.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Terrifying
Associated with immediate or impending danger.
The sound of footsteps in the dark alley was terrifying.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
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Horrifying
Evoking a strong reaction of revulsion or horror.
The documentary about the war was horrifying.
Huma Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Terrifying
Eliciting a strong emotional response of terror.
The news of the earthquake was terrifying.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Horrifying
Related to witnessing something appalling.
The condition of the neglected animals was horrifying.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Horrifying
Often associated with moral repugnance or shock.
The revelation of the scandal was horrifying.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Terrifying
To fill with terror; make deeply afraid
"She was terrified that he would lie to her" (Jodi Picoult).
Sara Rehman
Mar 31, 2023
Horrifying
To cause to feel horror
The citizens were horrified by the bombings. The guest was horrified at the rudeness of what he had said.
Sara Rehman
Mar 31, 2023
Terrifying
To drive or force by arousing fear
"The few who survived had long ago been terrified into complete intellectual surrender" (George Orwell).
Sara Rehman
Mar 31, 2023
Horrifying
To cause unpleasant surprise to; shock
"I ... passed a mirror ... &.
Was horrified at the shabbiness of my hat" (Margaret Suckley).
Sara Rehman
Mar 31, 2023
Horrifying
Provoking horror;
An atrocious automobile accident
A frightful crime of decapitation
An alarming, even horrifying, picture
War is beyond all words horrible
An ugly wound
Sara Rehman
Mar 31, 2023
FAQs
Is a ghost story more likely to be terrifying or horrifying?
Ghost stories are typically more terrifying due to their suspense and fear elements.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Do horrifying events always involve gore?
Not always; horrifying events can also involve moral or ethical shock.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Can news be horrifying?
Yes, news can be horrifying if it involves shocking or morally disturbing content.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Can a movie be both terrifying and horrifying?
Yes, a movie can be both terrifying and horrifying if it induces fear and shock.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Are nightmares usually terrifying?
Yes, nightmares are often described as terrifying.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Do children find clowns terrifying or horrifying?
Clowns are usually found terrifying by children due to fear.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Is a terrifying experience always life-threatening?
Not always; it can just evoke intense fear without being life-threatening.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
What kind of book would be considered horrifying?
A book detailing gruesome or morally appalling events would be considered horrifying.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
What makes a scene in a movie horrifying?
Gruesome, shocking, or morally disturbing elements make a scene horrifying.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Can a person’s actions be terrifying?
Yes, if they pose a threat or induce fear.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Are war stories more likely to be horrifying?
War stories are often horrifying due to their brutal and shocking nature.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Are horror films typically horrifying?
Many horror films are horrifying due to their disturbing content.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Can a situation be both terrifying and horrifying?
Yes, some situations can be both if they induce fear and moral shock.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Is a horrifying experience always based on true events?
Not necessarily; fictional events can also be horrifying.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Are haunted houses designed to be terrifying?
Yes, haunted houses are designed to be terrifying.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Can roller coasters be terrifying?
Yes, roller coasters can be terrifying due to their thrill and danger.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Can a suspense thriller be terrifying?
Yes, suspense thrillers often have terrifying elements.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
What is a common reaction to something horrifying?
Shock, disgust, and revulsion are common reactions to something horrifying.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
