horror-struck

adjective

ˈhȯr-ər-ˌstrək How to pronounce horror-struck (audio)
Definition of horror-strucknext
as in frightened
filled with fear or dread horror-struck, the villagers watched helplessly as the tsunami hit the shore

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of horror-struck Other people were horror-struck by the verdicts in each of these cases, seeing them as a catastrophic failure of the American system of justice. — Susan Shelley, Orange County Register, 31 May 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horror-struck
  1. frightened
  2. terrified
  3. afraid
  4. scared
  5. horrified
  6. shocked
  7. alarmed
  8. fearful
Adjective
  • In May, a frightened horse rammed into another carriage, causing the vehicle to flip over, injuring the driver.
    — ANDREA SACHS THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 28 June 2026
  • Rodríguez acknowledged that many remain too frightened to return home even after inspections declared some buildings safe.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Definition of frightened
Adjective
  • Outrage continues to grow after a drone was reported stalking a terrified wild mustang on North Carolina’s northern Outer Banks.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
  • Campbell found the minister on the ground, terrified and in pain.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Definition of terrified
Adjective
  • The ruling leaves trans student-athletes and their advocates feeling angry and afraid.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • Pregnant mothers are afraid of their babies not being able to have a home.
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of afraid
Adjective
  • On Saturday, July 4, the Kansas City, Kansas, Fire Department rescued a dog that had fallen into a well after running away scared from the sound of fireworks.
    — Emily Harter, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2026
  • Playing happily one second, and too scared to be alone the next.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
Definition of scared
Adjective
  • The first police officer on the scene quickly ran back to the station for help, while neighbors calmed the horrified Lizzie.
    — Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 June 2026
  • As a horrified Sam inadvertently observes, a creature has been sating itself on his buddy’s brain.
    — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026
Definition of horrified
Adjective
  • No one is more shocked by this turn of events than KC, who takes his place among the safe Islanders with his mouth hanging open.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • In a stunning two-minute span in the first half, Bellingham struck twice, leaving Mexico's defense completely shell-shocked.
    — Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of shocked
Adjective
  • Politico reported on Wednesday that even some key Republicans are alarmed at the supplemental, claiming the administration hadn't provided enough information.
    — Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • The talks unfold amid fresh crossfire over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil chokepoint the closure of which has fueled a global energy crisis and alarmed allies.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of alarmed
Adjective
  • The bitcoin price has dropped sharply this year, with traders fearful a further price crash could be looming.
    — Billy Bambrough, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Some have encouraged online attendance, while others have offered help doing errands such as grocery shopping for people too fearful to leave their homes.
    — Valerie Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of fearful

Browse Nearby Words

horror shows
horror-struck
hors d'oeuvre
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Cite this Entry

“Horror-struck.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horror-struck. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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