Word
horrific
Phoneticshor·rif·ic, stress on the second syllable
US/hɔˈɹɪfɪk/
UK/hɒɹˈɪfɪk/
Definition
adj. extremely bad, shocking, or scary. You use it to describe something that makes you feel deep fear or disgust.
adj. causing intense horror, shock, or disgust. Often used to describe physical violence, accidents, or deeply distressing news.
Examples
“The news reported a horrific accident on the highway.”
“The survivors shared horrific stories about the storm that destroyed their entire village.”
“The documentary provides a horrific account of the famine, detailing the systemic failures that led to such widespread suffering and loss of life.”
Examples
simple
“The news reported a horrific accident on the highway.”
contextual
“The survivors shared horrific stories about the storm that destroyed their entire village.”
complex
“The documentary provides a horrific account of the famine, detailing the systemic failures that led to such widespread suffering and loss of life.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “horrific” in context.
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun, but can also follow linking verbs like 'be' or 'look'.
Real-World Examples
“Codona claims to have been evicted 50 times in his life, which he says was "horrific" and like going through "hell and back".” “Before his horrific head injury, he was the pivotal attacking player as Nuno Espírito Santo’s team reached the later stages of the FA Cup and Europa League.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin horrificus, from horreō (“to be afraid”) + -ficō (“to make”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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