horror

Everyday

1. Horror is a strong feeling of fear and shock. tree →
2. Something terrible or very frightening: «the horrors of war». tree →
3. A kind of story or film meant to scare people: «a horror film». tree →
4. (informal) A naughty child: «You little horror!» tree →

In the lessons

Used in stories, films and news. Phrases: «in horror», «to my horror», «horror story», «horror film», «horror movie». It tells the reader that something is shocking or scary.

Examples

• She watched in horror as the vase fell. tree →
• To my horror, I'd forgotten my homework. tree →
• My big sister loves horror films. tree →
• The book describes the horrors of war. tree →
• That little horror ate all the biscuits! tree →
• The kids told horror stories round the campfire. tree →
• ‘SEVEN YEARS AGO!’ cried Jem, with horror. tree →

Note

Adjectives: horrible, horrific, horrified (feeling horror), horrifying. «Horror film» (UK) = «horror movie» (US). Many horror films are age-rated and not for young children.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means something that people see with shock and dread, a warning example of punishment.

Interpretation. It belongs to the curses for breaking the covenant, which warn that Israel would become a sight that shocks other nations.

Examples

• The LORD will cause thee to be smitten before thine enemies; thou shalt go out one way against them, and shalt flee seven ways before them; and thou shalt be a horror unto all the kingdoms of the earth. (Torah DEU.28.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. (Writings PSA.55.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Horror cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. (Prophets EZK.7.25, JPS 1917) tree →
• Even when I remember I am affrighted, and horror hath taketh hold on my flesh. (Writings JOB.21.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjectives: horrible, horrific, horrified (feeling horror), horrifying. «Horror film» (UK) = «horror movie» (US). Many horror films are age-rated and not for young children.