Reading Theme:
Horror: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：terrified feeling (horror)
horror
/ˈhɒr.ər/
n.
a very strong feeling of fear and shock.
terrified feeling
➕
/ˈter.ɪ.faɪd ˈfiː.lɪŋ/
n.
An intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust, often causing a physical reaction.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'horrere' meaning 'to tremble, shudder'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine your hairs standing on end (HORRor) when you hear a horrifying story.
📖 Example
When the lights suddenly went out in the haunted house, a wave of horror swept over the children.
The children were overcome with intense fear when the lights went out.
🔗 Collocations
sheer horror – complete and utter terror
fill with horror – to become terrified
horror of – a strong fear or dislike of something
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
horrify (v.) – to fill with horror; shock greatly
horrific (adj.) – causing horror
horrendous (adj.) – extremely unpleasant, horrifying
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'horror' originates from the Latin verb 'horrere,' which means 'to bristle, tremble, shudder.' This describes the physical reaction of hair standing on end due to extreme fear. In modern culture, it primarily defines a genre of fiction (books, films) specifically designed to evoke fear and dread, such as the works of Stephen King or classic films like 'Psycho.'
Meaning 2：scary story genre (horror)
horror
/ˈhɒr.ər/
n.
a type of story or movie that is meant to scare you.
scary story genre
➕
/ˈskeə.ri ˈstɔː.ri ˈʒɑːn.rə/
n.
A genre of fiction, film, or other media intended to scare, unsettle, or horrify the audience.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
I don't like watching horror movies before bed because they give me nightmares.
I avoid scary films at night to prevent bad dreams.
🔗 Collocations
horror film – a movie in the horror genre
psychological horror – a subgenre focusing on mental and emotional fear
horror story – a tale intended to frighten
🔄 Synonyms
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