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horrendous

adjective

/hɔˈrɛn dəs, hɒ-/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of horrendous

Extremely shocking, dreadful, or terrible in nature.
"The survivors of the plane crash endured a horrendous ordeal."

Detailed meaning of horrendous

It refers to an event, situation, or object that is exceptionally horrifying, appalling, or distressing. When something is described as horrendous, it implies a level of intensity beyond ordinary negative experiences. It denotes an extreme sense of fear, disgust, or revulsion that may elicit strong emotional reactions. The term "horrendous" is often associated with events or circumstances that cause deep distress or suffering, such as a tragic accident, a devastating loss, or an act of violence. It conveys a sense of magnitude and severity, emphasizing the enormity and gravity of the situation. The impact of something described as horrendous can leave a lasting impression, instilling a profound sense of shock or trauma.

Example sentences containing horrendous

1. The news of the natural disaster brought about a horrendous sense of devastation.
2. The victim recounted the horrendous details of the crime to the police.
3. The students were subjected to a horrendous bullying incident.
4. The sight of the aftermath was utterly horrendous.
5. The war left behind a trail of horrendous destruction.
6. The accident on the highway resulted in horrendous injuries.

History and etymology of horrendous

The adjective 'horrendous' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'horrendus,' which is the gerundive form of 'horreō,' meaning 'to tremble' or 'to shudder.' In its earliest usage, 'horrendus' conveyed a sense of causing fear, dread, or a physical reaction of shuddering due to something being terrible or awe-inspiring. Over time, it evolved to describe things that were extremely shocking, dreadful, or terrible in nature, capturing the essence of something so horrifying that it elicits a visceral reaction of fear or revulsion. The etymology of 'horrendous' reflects its historical association with things that inspire profound fear or horror, making it a fitting word to describe truly terrifying or dreadful experiences.

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Further usage examples of horrendous

1. The screams echoed through the haunted house, creating a horrendous atmosphere.
2. The hurricane unleashed its horrendous fury upon the coastal town.
3. The movie depicted the horrendous atrocities of war.
4. The victims of the terrorist attack experienced a horrendous loss.
5. The smell coming from the decaying garbage was horrendous.
6. The horrendous accident left a trail of destruction in its wake.
7. Her performance in the play was absolutely horrendous.
8. The weather forecast predicted a horrendous storm tonight.
9. The traffic during rush hour can be horrendous.
10. He had a horrendous toothache that kept him up all night.
11. The restaurant's service was truly horrendous.
12. The impact of the economic crisis was horrendous.
13. The movie depicted a horrendous crime spree.
14. The smell coming from the dumpster was horrendous.
15. The team suffered a horrendous defeat in the championship.
16. The teacher scolded the students for their horrendous behavior.
17. The news of the natural disaster was truly horrendous.
18. The war's aftermath was filled with horrendous stories.
19. The patient's condition took a horrendous turn for the worse.
20. The mountain climbers faced a horrendous blizzard.
21. The company's financial losses were horrendous.
22. The environmental damage caused by the spill was horrendous.
23. The accident scene was a horrendous sight.
24. The pollution in the city had reached horrendous levels.
25. The chef's experiment with the dish turned out horrendous.