Horrendous Meaning and Definition
Horrendous
Pronunciation
/hɔˈrɛndəs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A thing that is shocking, disturbing, or unpleasant; a horrible or disgusting experience.
Examples
- The movie’s graphic violence was considered horrendous by many viewers.
- Her response to the news was a mix of shock and horror.
- The smell from the septic tank was downright horrendous.
- The critics panned the film, calling it a horrendous mess.
- The patient suffered a horrendous injury in the accident.
- The awful music was a horrendous cacophony to the ears.
Synonyms
- Atrocious
- Abysmal
- Frightful
Antonyms
- Beautiful
- Delightful
- Wonderful
Etymology
The word “horrendous” comes from the Latin “horrendus,” meaning “frightful” or “terrifying.”
Usage Notes
Horrendous is often used to describe something that is genuinely shocking or disturbing, but it can also be used in a more exaggerated or dramatic way.
Cultural References
- The movie “The Exorcist” is often cited as a classic example of a horrendous film.
- The novel “The Silence of the Lambs” features a horrendous serial killer.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- It was a horrendous mistake.
- The event was a horrendous disaster.
Related Words or Phrases
- Atrocious
- Abysmal
- Frightful
Collocations
- Horrendous accident
- Horrendous weather
- Horrendous experience
Frequency of Use
Horrendous is often used in formal writing, such as academic papers or news articles, but it can also be used in informal contexts, such as conversation or social media.
Common Misspellings
- Horribous
- Horrendious