Horror
'hɒrər
Definitions
2 meaningsAn overwhelming and painful feeling caused by something frightful, shocking, or repulsive.
'hɒrər
An intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.
She felt a sense of horror as she saw the accident.
💡 Simply: Imagine watching a scary movie that makes you jump out of your seat, or hearing a really upsetting news story. Horror is that feeling of intense fear and disgust that gives you the chills.
👶 For kids: When something is really scary, it makes you feel yucky and afraid!
More Examples
The children watched with horror as the monster appeared on the screen.
The details of the crime were revealed with chilling horror.
How It's Used
"The news filled her with horror."
"The horror genre often explores dark themes."
"The movie was filled with scenes of suspense and horror."
Something that evokes intense fear or disgust; a cause of extreme aversion.
'hɒrər
Something that causes a feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.
The war was a horror that scarred generations.
💡 Simply: Horror can also refer to anything that causes you to feel that intense fear and disgust. It could be a scary movie, a bad traffic jam, or even a terrible experience.
👶 For kids: Something really, really bad or scary that makes you feel yucky inside.
More Examples
The traffic jam was a daily horror for commuters.
The movie presented a series of escalating horrors.
How It's Used
"The story presented a catalogue of horrors."
"The traffic was a horror!"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
horror movie
A film genre specifically designed to scare and shock the audience, often featuring supernatural or gruesome elements.
"We watched a horror movie last night."
filled with horror
Experiencing an intense feeling of fear or disgust.
"She was filled with horror when she saw the news."
From Latin *horror* ('a shudder, dread'), from *horrere* ('to bristle, shudder'). The word has been used in English since the 14th century.
The word 'horror' appears in Shakespeare's plays, often to describe feelings of fear and dread. It was frequently used to depict the darker aspects of human experience.
Memory tip
Think of a scary movie; the feeling you get is horror.
Word Origin
"A shudder, dread"