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bloodcurdling

/ˈblʊdˌkʌrd(ə)lɪŋ/
IPA guide

Other forms: bloodcurdlingly

Anything bloodcurdling is extremely alarming or horrifying, like a sudden, piercing, bloodcurdling scream.

This is a fanciful term for shocking things that feel like they're curdling your blood. Most often, you'll read or hear about a bloodcurdling scream, like an ear-piercing shriek. However, anything that fills you with horror can be described as bloodcurdling, like a terrible, bloodcurdling sight. Only terrible things are described as bloodcurdling, which means something similar to hair-raising and nightmarish. If something is only a little gross or disturbing, it's not quite bloodcurdling: this is a strong, visceral word.

Definitions of bloodcurdling
  1. adjective
    extremely alarming
    alarming
    frightening because of an awareness of danger
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