Chilling

Describing something that causes a feeling of fear, dread, or unease, often by suggesting something sinister or dangerous. It can evoke a sense of coldness or the unsettling awareness of something unpleasant or harmful. The intensity of the chill can range from mild apprehension to paralyzing terror. The effect is often psychological, playing on anxieties about the unknown, mortality, or human capacity for cruelty.

Chilling meaning with examples

• The detective found the details of the case incredibly chilling. The meticulous planning and cold detachment of the killer sent shivers down his spine, leaving him feeling disturbed and deeply unsettled by the crime's brutality and utter lack of empathy from the perpetrator. This cold logic was the most haunting element.
• The documentary featured a chilling interview with a survivor of the avalanche. Her account of the sudden disaster, the crushing weight of the snow, and the desperate struggle for survival painted a graphic and chilling portrait of a natural disaster, highlighting the fragility of human life against the implacable force of nature.
• As the old house creaked and groaned in the wind, the stories about its history became chillingly real. The shadows danced in the corners, and the tales of previous occupants, now lost, fueled a palpable sense of dread that lingered throughout the property. The eerie silence of the night also added to the atmosphere.
• Reading the anonymous letter, the politician felt a chilling premonition of impending scandal. The vague but threatening accusations hinted at revelations that could ruin his career and public standing. He tried to dismiss it, but the insidious threat loomed over him, making every public appearance feel hollow.