Terrify/ˈterɪfaɪ/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Extreme Fear Use 'terrify' for situations causing very strong fear, more intense than just 'scare'. Ghost stories around the campfire can terrify young children. Pro Tip 2/3Physical Reactions 'Terrify' often implies physical reactions, like shaking or crying. She was terrified by the noise and couldn't stop trembling. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Real 'Terrify' can be used for both real threats and imagined fears. He was terrified of monsters under his bed.