What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
horror
Example
The horror movie was so scary that I had nightmares. [horror: noun]
Example
She recoiled in horror at the sight of the dead body. [horror: noun]
terror
Example
The passengers felt a sense of terror when the plane started shaking violently. [terror: noun]
Example
The terrorists used fear and terror to control the population. [terror: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Horror is more commonly used than terror in everyday language, especially in the context of entertainment and fiction. Terror is more commonly used in the context of real-life events and situations, such as terrorism or natural disasters.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between horror and terror?
Both horror and terror can be used in formal and informal contexts, but terror may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its association with serious and often tragic events.
