Chilling
/ˈtʃɪlɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsExtremely frightening or exciting; causing a feeling of unease or fear.
/ˈtʃɪlɪŋ/
Causing a feeling of excitement or fear.
The chilling news report left everyone speechless.
💡 Simply: Something chilling gives you that creepy, exciting feeling like when you watch a scary movie. Think goosebumps!
👶 For kids: Something that makes you feel scared and excited, like a scary story.
More Examples
She found the abandoned house chillingly beautiful.
How It's Used
"The chilling climax of the novel left me breathless."
"The movie had a chilling atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat."
Very cold; causing a sensation of coldness.
/ˈtʃɪlɪŋ/
Very cold.
The chilling rain soaked us to the bone.
💡 Simply: Chilling means very, very cold; like a cold drink on a hot day.
👶 For kids: Very, very cold.
More Examples
It's a chilling night; make sure to wear a jacket.
How It's Used
"The chilling wind made me want to go inside."
From the verb "chill," ultimately from Middle English "chillen," meaning "to cool." The sense of causing a feeling of fear or excitement developed later.
The use of "chilling" to describe a frightening atmosphere became more prevalent in the 20th century, often used in crime and horror fiction.
Memory tip
Imagine a cold, spooky feeling that makes your spine tingle.