Dictionary entry

Terrible

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ter″ri‐ble (?), a. [F., fr. L. terribilis, fr. terrere to frighten. See Terror.] 1. Adapted or likely to excite terror, awe, or dread; dreadful; formidable.

Prudent in peace, and terrible in war. Prior.

Thou shalt not be affrighted at them; for the Lord thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible. Deut. vii. 21.

2. Excessive; extreme; severe.

The terrible coldness of the season. Clarendon.

Syn. — Terrific; fearful; frightful; formidable; dreadful; horrible; shocking; awful.

— Ter″ri‐ble‐ness, n. — Ter″ri‐bly, adv.