bloodcurdling

adjective

blood·​cur·​dling ˈbləd-ˌkər-dᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce bloodcurdling (audio)
-ˌkərd-liŋ
Synonyms of bloodcurdlingnext
: arousing fright or horror
bloodcurdling screams

Examples of bloodcurdling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To me, a noose is merely a noose — not a bloodcurdling symbol of racist violence. — Kevin Riordan, Philly.com, 1 Nov. 2017 The sounds of more explosions could be heard deriving from the outside amid more seemingly bloodcurdling screams, yells, sirens and alarms. — Sean Lester Durham, The Root, 8 Apr. 2018 Bahm’s somewhat-frantic conversation with the dispatcher abruptly turned into bloodcurdling screams. — Sean Emery, Oc Register, 7 May 2026 India’s largest state, Uttar Pradesh, is run by Yogi Adityanath, a Hindu monk who founded an anti-Muslim militia and whose bloodcurdling rhetoric against Muslims once placed him beyond the pale of high office. — Sadanand Dhume, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodcurdling was in 1724

Rhymes for bloodcurdling

See All Rhymes for bloodcurdling

Browse Nearby Words

bloodcurdler
bloodcurdling
blood diamond
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Cite this Entry

“Bloodcurdling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodcurdling. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bloodcurdling

adjective
blood·​cur·​dling ˈbləd-ˌkərd-liŋ How to pronounce bloodcurdling (audio)
-ᵊl-iŋ
: causing great horror or fear : terrifying
bloodcurdling screams

More from Merriam-Webster on bloodcurdling

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bloodcurdling

Nglish: Translation of bloodcurdling for Spanish Speakers

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