Synonyms for

Terrified

Verb / ˈterʌˌfaɪd / Another word for terrified — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

feeling or showing extreme fear or nervousness

Synonyms & similar words

panicked panicstricken panicstruck frightened terrify terrorise panicky terrorize afraid scared panicked fearful petrified apprehensive anxious timid jittery nervous shaken startled dismayed intimidated spooked alarmed horrified frightened agitated uneasy

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehensive alarmed petrified fearful

Informal

scared stiff freaked out shook spooked

Literary

aghast horror-struck fear-stricken

Antonyms

calm brave confident assured unafraid peaceful relaxed

Common collocations

  • utterly terrified
  • absolutely terrified
  • terrified of heights
  • terrified by the thought
  • terrified and shaking
  • visibly terrified
  • deeply terrified

Word family

noun terror
verb terrify
adjective terrified
adverb terrifyingly

Usage note

Terrified is an adjective describing an extreme state of fear. It is often used with adverbs like 'utterly' or 'absolutely' for emphasis.

Example sentences

  1. She was terrified of the spider crawling across the floor.
  2. The loud thunder terrified the dog.
  3. He was absolutely terrified of heights.
  4. The horror movie left her feeling terrified and unable to sleep.
  5. The idea of public speaking terrified him so much he avoided it at all costs.

Quotes

  • I was terrified of being a teacher. To stand in front of a classroom, the responsibility is boggling. Imagine! Standing in front of people who are at the age where they are questioning everything in life.
  • I'm terrified of heights, but I jump out of planes.
  • I'm terrified of the whole dance thing.

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