rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryhorrorIntense fear or disgust
noun

horror

HOR-er/ˈhɔːrər/

An overwhelming response of fear or disgust.

The woman recoils in horror from the spider near her shoulder.

Close upper-body expression of intense horror, wide eyes, hands raised to face and body recoiling from a large spider hanging near her shoulder, no injury, sparse white setting with realistic fear and anatomy.
Etymology
horrorLatinshuddering; dread

Latin horror literally meant shaking or shuddering, as from cold or fear. That bodily reaction became a name for the intense dread or disgust that can cause it.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain76:11
the holy male shuddered through his whole body and poured forth a flood of tears and in a voice stifled by horror and fear
1900s Satire Audiobook: Anatole France - Penguin Island

More examples

  • The report fills us with horror at the prisoners' treatment.
  • To my horror, I realize the back seat is empty.
  • His face shows horror when he hears the screams.

Forms

horror

horrify verb — To cause intense fear or disgust.

horrific adjective — Causing intense fear, shock, or disgust.

Similar words

terror
Emphasizes extreme fear rather than disgust or revulsion.
revulsion
Emphasizes strong disgust and rejection rather than fear.
dread
Emphasizes fear of something expected rather than immediate shock.