German word

Entsetzen

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛntˈzɛtsən/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhorror

Example

Er erstarrte vor Entsetzen.

He froze in horror.

Illustration for Entsetzen (horror)

More examples

Als er das Foto sah, geriet er in Entsetzen.

When he saw the photo, he was overcome with horror.

Core concept

A sudden wave of horror leaves the mind stunned and unable to respond to something appalling.

Common phrases

  • in Entsetzen geraten

    be overcome with horror

  • mit Entsetzen erfüllt sein

    be filled with horror

  • vor Entsetzen bleich werden

    turn pale with horror

Similar words

Schrecken: A sudden burst of fear that makes a person recoil or freeze.
Panik: An uncontrollable fear that overwhelms reason and prompts confusion or escape.
Grauen: A profoundly disturbing terror that makes the body shudder.
Abscheu: A strong feeling of disgust toward something viewed as utterly unacceptable.

Definition in German

Entsetzen bezeichnet ein plötzliches, überwältigendes Gefühl von Schrecken oder furchtbarer Bestürzung.

Word origin

The noun Entsetzen comes from the verb entsetzen, whose older meanings included removing or depriving someone and whose modern relevant sense is to horrify.

Usage tips

  • The verb entsetzen is inseparable, so ent- stays attached in finite forms instead of moving to the end of the clause.

Other meanings

  • fearnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • entsetzenhorrifyverb
  • entsetzthorrifiedadjective
  • Entsetzlichkeithorriblenessnoun

Word lists with this word