Synonyms for Terrified

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: When you need another word for terrified, consider alternatives that capture the depth of your fear. Words like petrified or scared show panic, while terms like appalled or shocked indicate horror. Selecting the right synonym depends on the specific emotion you wish to express in your context.

Closest Synonyms for Terrified

petrified: Frozen with fear, unable to move or act. Example: The child was petrified by the loud thunder.
scared: Feeling afraid or frightened. Example: She was scared of the dark room alone.
panicked: Filled with sudden, uncontrollable fear. Example: He panicked when the fire alarm sounded.
horror-struck: Filled with extreme shock and dread. Example: She was horror-struck by the gruesome scene.
freaked out: Becoming extremely agitated or scared. Example: He freaked out during the rollercoaster ride.
cowering: Shrinking back in fear. Example: The dog cowered under the table.
dread: Feeling intense anxiety about something to come. Example: She felt dread before the test results.
spooked: Startled or frightened suddenly. Example: The ghost story spooked the visitors.
jumps: Reacting with sudden fright. Example: The loud noise made everyone jump.
quaked: Shaking with fear. Example: He quaked with fear as he waited.
ghastly: Looking or feeling very pale and terrified. Example: Her face was ghastly after the accident.
trembling: Shaking visibly from fear. Example: Her hands were trembling with terror.

Formal Synonyms for Terrified

frightened: Caused to feel fear, often used in serious contexts. Example: The victim was frightened by the intruder.
alarmed: Filled with worry or unease about a situation. Example: The crowd was alarmed by the strange noises.
shaken: Emotionally disturbed or frightened. Example: She was shaken by the violent news.
appalled: Filled with shock and disgust. Example: He was appalled by the cruelty he witnessed.
dismayed: Filled with distress or disappointment. Example: The team was dismayed by the loss.
daunted: Feeling afraid or intimidated by a task. Example: She was daunted by the difficult challenge.
aghast: Filled with horror or shock. Example: He stood aghast at the destruction.
stunned: So shocked that one cannot react. Example: She was stunned by the sudden announcement.
horrified: Filled with strong feelings of disgust or fear. Example: The witnesses were horrified by the crime.

Informal Synonyms for Terrified

scaredy-cat: Someone who is easily frightened. Example: Stop acting like a scaredy-cat.
chicken: Someone who is cowardly or afraid. Example: You are such a chicken to hide.
spooked out: Very frightened or scared. Example: She was spooked out by the dark hallway.
scared to death: Extremely frightened, used for emphasis. Example: I was scared to death of the spider.
freaked: Becoming very upset or scared. Example: He freaked when the car stalled.
scaam: Very scared or frightened. Example: I am scaam of the dark.
chicken out: too afraid to take action, resulting in chicken out right before a big game starts
white-knuckle: holding on so tightly with fear that your knuckles turn white, like a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel during a storm
pettifogged: overly cautious and timid, acting pettifogged when asked to speak up in a meeting
daffy: so scared you act crazy, becoming daffy when faced with a sudden drop in the elevator
shook up: so frightened your body is trembling, feeling shook up after a minor car bump

Stronger and Weaker Words

sicken: stronger, use when fear causes physical illness
quaver: weaker, use for nervous trembling
shudder: stronger, use for shaking from dread
shake: weaker, use for general instability
dismay: weaker, use for shock without panic
panic: stronger, use for immediate uncontrollable fear
appal: stronger, use for horror or disgust
chilled: weaker, use for cold fear

Antonyms for Terrified

brave
fearless
courageous
confident
unafraid
bold
undaunted
steadfast
calm
composed

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Choose a synonym based on the level of fear you want to convey. For extreme fear, use words like petrified or horror-struck. For milder fear, opt for scared or frightened. Consider the tone of your writing; formal settings require words like alarmed or dismayed, while informal contexts allow for terms like spooked or freaked out. Always ensure the synonym fits the context and the emotion you wish to express.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between terrified and scared?

Terrified implies a much deeper, more intense fear than scared. While scared can describe a general feeling of apprehension, terrified suggests being overwhelmed by fear, often causing physical or emotional paralysis.

Are there formal synonyms for terrified?

Yes, formal synonyms for terrified include frightened, alarmed, shocked, and horrified. These words convey fear in a more measured or serious tone, suitable for academic or professional writing.

What are some informal ways to say terrified?

Informal synonyms for terrified include freaked out, spooked, scaredy-cat, and freaked. These terms are casual and often used in spoken language or relaxed writing to describe being very scared.

What is the opposite of terrified?

The opposite of terrified is brave or fearless. Other antonyms include courageous, unafraid, bold, and undaunted, all describing someone who faces danger without fear.