harrowing
adj. C1 Advanced US //ˈhɛɹoʊɪŋ// UK //hˈæɹəʊɪŋ// har·row·ing
adj. extremely upsetting, scary, or painful to experience. It describes something that is very difficult to go through because it causes a lot of stress.
adj. acutely distressing or painful to the mind or feelings. Often used to describe traumatic events, journeys, or personal accounts.
The survivors told a harrowing story of their escape.
The documentary provides a harrowing look at the lives of refugees crossing the desert in search of safety.
After a harrowing week lost in the wilderness without supplies, the hikers were finally spotted by a rescue helicopter just before sunset.
By surface analysis, harrow + -ing.
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'experience', 'tale', or 'ordeal'.