mindmap root((可怕)) fearful applies to what produces fear, agitation, loss of courage, or mere disquiet: a ~ predicament. awful implies the creating of an awareness of transcendent or overpowering force, might, or significance: waited in the ~ dark for their rescuers to come. dreadful applies to what fills one with shuddering fear or loathing and strikes one as at least disagreeable or extremely unpleasant: cancer is a ~ disease. frightful implies such a startling or outrageous quality as produces utter consternation or a paralysis of fear: a ~ tornado. terrible suggests painfulness too great to be endured or a capacity to produce and prolong extreme and agitating fear: caught in the grip of the ~ maelstrom. terrific applies to something intended or fitted to inspire terror as by its size, appearance, or potency: a ~ outburst of fury. appalling describes what strikes one with dismay as well as terror or horror: had to perform the operation under ~ conditions. horrible applies to something the sight of which induces fear or terror combined with loathing or aversion and suggests hatefulness or hideousness: the ~ carnage of war. horrific suggests qualities or properties intended or suited to produce a horrible effect: a ~ account of the tragedy. shocking implies characteristics which startle because they are contrary to expectations, standards of good taste, rational thought, or moral sense: fond of ~ stories.