horrify
UK[ˈhɒrɪfaɪ]US[ˈhɔːrɪfaɪ]
v
to cause someone to feel extreme shock or fear
v
to make someone feel very strong dislike or disapproval
Morpheme Breakdown
horr
ify
horr
shudder, dread
ify
to make
Etymology
the word horrify originates from the latin verb horrēre, which described the physical reaction of bristling or shuddering with fear. this root passed into late latin as horrificāre, meaning "to cause to shudder," which entered english via french influence. the suffix -ify, a productive english verb-forming element from latin, was appended to create a verb meaning "to make dreadful." thus, the literal construction "to make shudder" evolved into the modern abstract sense of causing extreme shock or revulsion.
Analysis
Structure: horr (shudder, dread) + ify (to make)
horr: from latin horrēre (to bristle, shudder, dread). functions as the core root conveying the sense of terror.
ify: a verb-forming suffix from latin -ificāre, via old french -ifier, meaning "to make, to cause to become".
Examples
the graphic images in the documentary were meant to horrify the audience.
it horrifies me to think of the suffering caused by the conflict.
his complete disregard for safety will horrify any responsible engineer.