Frightfulness is the quality or state of causing extreme fear, terror, or alarm; something that is intensely distressing or horrifying. It evokes a sense of dread, repulsion, or sheer terror, often stemming from witnessing violence, witnessing the unknown, or encountering the macabre. It is characterized by a powerful and unsettling emotional impact, leaving a lasting impression of unease and vulnerability. frightfulness can manifest in both physical sensations, like a racing heart and sweaty palms, and psychological responses, such as nightmares and anxiety. It captures the essence of something that is deeply disturbing and capable of overwhelming one's senses or mental state. The degree of frightfulness can vary greatly, from a mild sense of foreboding to a paralyzing terror.
Frightfulness meaning with examples
- The historical accounts of the battlefield, filled with graphic descriptions of the carnage, left readers with a sense of the true frightfulness of war. The sheer scale of death and suffering, combined with the individual stories of soldiers and civilians, painted a vivid picture of the horrors endured. The documentation detailed the conditions and the brutality, showcasing a level of inhumanity that was difficult to comprehend. It was a potent reminder of the devastating impact of conflict.
- The cult leader’s sermons were laced with ominous prophecies and threats, creating an atmosphere of frightfulness within the community. He preyed on their fears, cultivating a sense of impending doom that amplified the terror. This generated an environment where dissent was stifled, and obedience was paramount. This oppressive environment caused the believers' ability to think critically to decline, and they embraced the cult’s ideology due to their fear.
- The movie's special effects were carefully designed to create a sense of frightfulness, with unsettling imagery and sound design. The monster's appearance was disturbing and terrifying, and the jump scares further elevated the feeling. The film preyed on common fears, playing on the audience's emotional vulnerabilities. The director used darkness, shadows and strange noises to increase the psychological impact of the horrific scenes on the audience.
- The sudden outbreak of the plague brought forth an understanding of the frightfulness of the human condition. The rapid spread of the disease, its indiscriminate nature, and the high mortality rate shook the community to its core. The fear of contagion and the desperation for survival led to panic, social breakdown, and isolation. The outbreak exposed humanity's fragility and helplessness in the face of the natural world.