ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chilling

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtʃɪɫɪŋ// UK //tʃˈɪlɪŋ// chill·ing

n. frightening or scary in a way that makes you feel cold. It often describes a story, a look, or a piece of news that makes you feel uneasy.

n. causing a sudden feeling of horror or fear; unnerving. Often used to describe atmospheric or psychological dread rather than physical threats.


SIMPLE

The movie ended with a chilling scream.

CONTEXTUAL

The witness gave a chilling account of the events that took place on the night of the crime.

COMPLEX

The documentary provides a chilling look at how easily misinformation can spread through social networks, ultimately destabilizing local governments and inciting widespread public panic.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English chilling, chelling, chyllinge, chillynge, chillande, equivalent to chill + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English chilling, chillyng, chyllynge, equivalent to chill + -ing.

Usage

Typically used to modify nouns related to stories, sounds, or atmospheres.

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