Blood-curdling

Blood-curdling describes something that causes extreme fear or horror, often to the point of making one's blood run cold or hair stand on end. It evokes a sense of primal terror, often associated with violent or gruesome events, chilling sounds, or unsettling imagery. The effect is typically a visceral one, causing a physical reaction of fear and revulsion. The term highlights the intensity of the experience, emphasizing the deep and profound impact it has on the perceiver's emotional and physical state. It suggests something beyond simple fright, delving into the realm of absolute terror and the disruption of one's sense of safety.

Blood-curdling meaning with examples

• The haunted house featured a blood-curdling scream that echoed through the corridors, instantly freezing the guests in their tracks. The sheer volume and unnerving quality of the sound amplified the terrifying ambiance and heightened anticipation of encountering something truly frightening lurking within the shadows.
• Reading the diary of the serial killer revealed blood-curdling details of his crimes, leaving detectives feeling nauseous. The descriptions of his actions and thought processes painted a terrifying picture that led the reader to confront the darkness of human depravity.
• A blood-curdling howl ripped through the night, accompanied by the scraping of claws on the cabin door, causing the campers to huddle together in a shared dread. It created a sudden moment of paralyzing fear that emphasized their isolation in the wilderness and the imminent threat.
• The special effects in the horror movie produced a blood-curdling display of gore, designed to shock and disgust viewers. The images of grotesque dismemberment and mutilation led viewers to an experience of a physical reaction of fear and revulsion.