Horror Meaning
Horror Definition & Usage
A feeling of intense fear, dread, or shock.
Examples
- "The movie was filled with moments of pure horror, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats."
- "The thought of being trapped in the dark cavern filled her with horror."
- "The sudden crash of thunder caused him to jump in horror."
- "She gazed in horror at the gruesome scene before her."
- "The children screamed in horror as the figure in the mask appeared."
A genre of fiction, film, or other media that aims to evoke fear and anxiety in its audience.
Examples
- "He loves watching horror movies, especially ones with supernatural themes."
- "The horror novel was so suspenseful, I couldn’t put it down."
- "Many of Stephen King's best works belong to the horror genre."
- "The film festival featured several independent horror films from new directors."
- "The horror genre has evolved over the years, with psychological thrillers gaining more popularity."
A physical reaction caused by fear or disgust, such as shuddering or recoiling.
Examples
- "A cold horror ran down his spine as the figure in the doorway moved closer."
- "She felt a horror as the icy wind swept through the room."
- "He could feel the horror in his chest as he looked at the wreckage of the car."
- "The horror of the accident left him unable to speak for a moment."
- "Her horror was visible on her face, as she stumbled backward from the bloodied scene."
Cultural Context
The word 'horror' has been deeply embedded in Western culture, particularly in literature and cinema. The genre of horror began with Gothic literature in the 18th century, with works such as Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* and Bram Stoker’s *Dracula* laying the foundation for modern horror tropes. Horror films gained significant popularity in the 20th century with classics like *Psycho* and *The Shining*. The genre has since evolved, often blending with psychological thriller, supernatural, and even dark comedy elements.
The Horror at Hill House
Story
The Horror at Hill House
It was a dark and stormy night when Emily first stepped foot inside Hill House. Her breath quickened as she gazed at the decaying mansion before her, the windows like vacant eyes watching her every move. A chill ran down her spine, the horror of what she had read about the house gripping her heart. This was a place of legend, a place where many had entered, but few had returned.
