ˈterəˌfī transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Latin terrificare, from terrificus terrific
1.
a. : to fill with terror : frighten greatly
sermons … providing a sanction for other men to terrify the imaginations of ill-balanced persons — V.L.Parrington
the prospect of nuclear warfare terrifies the population
b. : to drive or impel by menacing : scare
the gunman's threats terrify her into handing over the money
c. : deter , intimidate
book … so technical as to terrify the average reader — Anthony Boucher
museums and galleries terrify us — Clive Bell
2. dialect Britain : to cause trouble to : harass , torment
Synonyms: see frighten