What is the Difference Between Horror and Terror

Horror and terror are two reactions to fear. They can make your heart race, give you chills, or make you scream. Although both are related to fear, horror and terror are not the same.

What is the difference between horror and terror? Horror is the feeling of disgust or shock from something disturbing, whereas terror is intense, overwhelming fear, often felt in the moment of danger.

Key Areas Covered

1. What Does Horror Mean
     – Definition, Features
2. What Does Terror Mean
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Horror and Terror
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Horror and Terror
     – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Horror and Terror
     – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Fear, Horror, Terror

What Does Terror Mean

Terror is an overwhelming feeling of intense fear. It is a deep sense of dread that can make a person feel helpless or panicked. The word “terror” comes from the Latin word terrere, which means “to frighten.” Terror can be caused by a frightening situation, a dangerous person, or even an unsettling place. The word “terror” can also describe someone or something that causes extreme fear. For example, a dictator who rules with cruelty might be called a terror, or a haunted house might be described as terrifying.

Example Sentences

The little girl screamed in terror when she saw the big spider.

The dark forest filled him with terror as he walked alone.

He is a terror in class because he never sits still and always causes trouble.

The movie was so scary that it left me shaking with terror.

We ran in terror when the earthquake started.

Her face showed pure terror when she heard the loud explosion.

What Does Horror Mean

Horror is a strong feeling of fear, shock, or disgust caused by something terrifying or disturbing. It is the sense of deep unease that follows a scary or shocking experience. For example, watching a frightening movie, hearing a chilling story, or witnessing something gruesome can all cause horror. The word “horror” comes from the French word horreur, and can be traced back to the Latin horror, meaning “dread” or “awe.”
Horror is different from terror. Terror is the intense fear before something happens, while horror is the feeling that follows a frightening or shocking experience.

In common language, the word “horror” can also describe something ugly or unpleasant. For instance, a badly decorated room might be called “a horror” because of its poor taste.

Example Sentences

She screamed in horror when she saw the ghost.

He looked at the crime scene in horror.

The villagers ran away in horror as the monster appeared.

The haunted house was a place of horror and fear.

He stood frozen in horror, unable to move.

Similarities Between Horror and Terror

1. Horror and terror are both emotions linked to fear and being scared.
2. They can make people’s hearts race, give them chills, or cause them to scream.
3. Writers and filmmakers use horror and terror to create suspense and frighten audiences.

Difference Between Horror and Terror

Definition

• Terror is the intense fear before something scary happens, while horror is the shock and disgust after witnessing something frightening.

Timing

• Terror happens before the scary experience (anticipation), whereas horror happens after seeing or experiencing it.

Feeling

• Terror creates a sense of dread and panic, but horror causes shock and revulsion.

Examples

• Feeling scared before entering a dark room is terror, but seeing a ghost inside and feeling disgusted is horror.

FAQ: Horror and Terror

1. What are examples of terror and horror?

An example of terror is hearing strange noises in a dark, empty house and feeling intense fear before knowing what’s there. An example of horror is seeing a terrifying creature suddenly appear, causing shock and disgust.

2. Is terror a feeling?

Yes, terror is a strong feeling of intense fear. It often happens suddenly and can make a person feel helpless or overwhelmed by fear.

3. What is the difference between fear and terror?

Fear is a general feeling of being scared, while terror is a much stronger and overwhelming sense of fear that can make a person feel helpless or frozen.

4. What is the scariest form of horror?

The scariest form of horror can depend on the personal fears of people. But many find psychological horror the most frightening. It focuses on fear in the mind, making you feel uneasy and questioning what is real.

Reference:

1. “Horror – Definition, Meaning & Synonyms.” Vocabulary.com

Image Courtesy:

1. “A Fearful Man Having Katsaridaphobia” (CC0) via Pexels

2. “Woman Looking Up while Sitting on the Floor” (CC0) via Pexels