# horrific

/hɔˈɹɪfɪk/ (US) · /hɒɹˈɪfɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/horrific
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

extremely bad, shocking, or scary. You use it to describe something that makes you feel deep fear or disgust.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun, but can also follow linking verbs like 'be' or 'look'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.