Spanish word

horror

Pronunciation

IPA/oˈroɾ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhorror

Example

La noticia me causó horror.

The news filled me with horror.

Illustration for horror (horror)

More examples

La audiencia observó con horror la escena final.

The audience watched the final scene with horror.

Core concept

Intense shuddering fear mixed with repugnance.

Common phrases

  • película de horror

    horror film

  • relato de horror

    horror story

  • con horror

    with horror

Similar words

miedo: Plain fear or dread signaling danger, often steady and attention-focusing.
terror: Intense, overwhelming fear that shakes the body and impairs control.
espanto: Abrupt, startled fright caused by an unexpected shocking event.
susto: Short-lived sudden fright, a quick startle reaction that fades fast.

Definition in Spanish

Sentimiento intenso de miedo y repugnancia ante algo que provoca sobresalto o estremecimiento físico.

Word origin

Derived from Latin horrēre 'to bristle,' medieval usage emphasized bodily trembling and loathing, producing the modern sense of intense fear plus repugnance.

Usage tips

  • Although spelled like English, Spanish horror often highlights visceral revulsion as well as fear, so it frequently appears with verbs such as dar and causar in colloquial expressions.

Other meanings

  • revulsionnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word