First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1horror
noun hor·ror \ˈhȯr-ər, ˈhär-\
: a very strong feeling of fear, dread, and shock
: the quality of something that causes feelings of fear, dread, and shock : the horrible or shocking quality or character of something
: something that causes feelings of fear, dread, and shock : something that is shocking and horrible
Full Definition of HORROR
1
a : painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay <astonishment giving place to horror on the faces of the people about me — H. G. Wells> b : intense aversion or repugnance
2
a : the quality of inspiring horror : repulsive, horrible, or dismal quality or character <contemplating the horror of their lives — Liam O'Flaherty> b : something that inspires horror
3
plural : a state of extreme depression or apprehension
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Origin of HORROR
Middle English horrour, from Anglo-French *orur, from Latin horror action of bristling, from horrēre to bristle, shiver; akin to Sanskrit harṣate he is excited
Related to HORROR
2horror
adjective
: intended to cause feelings of fear or horror
Full Definition of HORROR
: calculated to inspire feelings of dread or horror : bloodcurdling <a horror movie>
See horror defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HORROR
1936
HORROR Defined for Kids
horror
noun hor·ror \ˈhȯr-ər\
Definition of HORROR for Kids
1
: great fear, dread, or shock <All the children stared in horror at Pippi, and the teacher explained that one couldn't answer that way at school. — Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking>
2
: a quality or thing that causes horror <They witnessed the horror of war.>
Medical Dictionary
horror
noun hor·ror \ˈhȯr-ər, ˈhär-\
Medical Definition of HORROR
: painful and intense fear, dread, or dismay
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