horror

hor-ror · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.

  2. 2.

    A thing causing a feeling of horror.

  3. 3.

    A genre of fiction, film, or other entertainment intended to scare or unsettle the audience.

  4. 4.

    (Informal) An extremely unpleasant person or thing.

Forms

plural: horrors

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    horror of horrors — An ironic exclamation expressing mock dismay
  • •
    to one's horror — Discovering something shocking or disturbing
  • •
    horror show — A chaotic or disastrous situation
  • •
    chamber of horrors — A place containing frightening exhibits

Related words

Antonyms: delight, joy, pleasure
See also: fear, horrible, horrific, terror
Synonyms: dread, fear, fright, terror

Etymology

From Latin horror ("a shaking, trembling, dread, terror"), from horrere ("to bristle, shudder, tremble"). Related to horrid and horrible.