French word

effroi

Pronunciation

IPA/efʁwa/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfear

Example

Elle a été prise d'effroi en entendant le bruit.

She was seized with fear when she heard the noise.

Illustration for effroi (fear)

More examples

La scène inspira l'effroi à tous.

The scene filled everyone with terror.

Core concept

A person abruptly stopped in their tracks by a wave of fear.

Common phrases

  • un cri d'effroi

    a cry of terror

  • regarder avec effroi

    look at with terror

Similar words

peur: The common feeling of fear that arises from danger or uncertainty.
frayeur: A short-lived fright caused by an instant of surprise or shock.
terreur: An extreme fear that overwhelms the mind and creates a strong urge to flee.
épouvante: A deeply unsettling and intensely frightening feeling.

Definition in French

Sentiment de peur intense et soudain qui saisit une personne face à un danger ou à une surprise.

Word origin

The noun effroi comes from Old French esfroi and is related to effrayer, with roots traced to Latin exfrigidare, 'to make cold.'

Usage tips

  • Effroi is more literary and dramatic than everyday peur, while frayeur is also common for a sudden scare.

Other meanings

  • frightnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word