German word

Grauen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgʁaʊ̯ən/

Meaning

  • neuter nounfear

Example

Die Ursache des Grauens ist unbekannt.

The cause of the fear is unknown.

Illustration for Grauen (fear)

More examples

Viele Menschen schrecken vor Grauen zurück.

Many people shrink back in fear.

Core concept

A person freezes when confronted with something so horrifying that the body reacts before the mind can respond.

Common phrases

  • vor Grauen zurückschrecken

    shrink back in fear

  • vor Grauen fliehen

    flee in terror

  • ein Bild des Grauens

    a scene of horror

Similar words

Angst: Ongoing fear or anxiety about the future or something uncertain.
Furcht: Clear fear arising from awareness of an immediate danger.
Schrecken: A sudden burst of intense shock and fear caused by an unexpected event.
Entsetzen: Overwhelming fear at a shocking sight, leaving someone speechless.

Definition in German

ein substantiviertes Gefühl des Entsetzens oder der Furcht, meist intensiv und mit körperlichen Reaktionen wie Erstarren verbunden.

Word origin

The noun Grauen developed from the verb grauen, meaning to feel dread or horror, which is attested in Middle High German as gruen.

Usage tips

  • Grauen is neuter, so the forms are das Grauen and des Grauens in the genitive.

Other meanings

  • terrornoun
  • horrornoun

Opposites

  • Geborgenheitsecuritynoun

Related words

  • Grauenerlebnisterrifying experiencenoun
  • grauenhafthorrificadjective

Word lists with this word