Need another word for Harrowing? Use these synonyms of Harrowing from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
distressing
disturbing
unsettling
traumatic
alarming
frightening
intimidating
shocking
terrifying
petrifying
unnerving
upsetting
disquieting
perturbing
troubling
agonizing
excruciating
painful
grievous
severe
harsh
brutal
savage
vicious
violent
gruesome
ghastly
horrific
appalling
atrocious
heinous
abhorrent
repulsive
disgusting
nauseating
sickening
repugnant
odious
loathsome
detestable
distressful
woeful
lamentable
deplorable
pitiful
heartbreaking
heartrending
soul-shattering
spirit-crushing
Meaning of Harrowing
The primary meaning of "harrowing" is extremely disturbing or upsetting.
Definitions
- Extremely disturbing or upsetting, causing a feeling of shock, horror, or distress
- * (of an experience or situation) intensely distressing or traumatic
- * (in agriculture) to break and aerate soil with a harrow, but this sense is less commonly used in modern language
Etymology of Harrowing
The word "harrowing" originates from the Old English words "hergian" meaning to harass or plunder, and "harrow" a farming tool used to break up soil
Initially, the term was used to describe the act of plundering or pillaging, but over time its meaning shifted to describe something that is intensely disturbing or traumatic
Example Uses
- The documentary showed the harrowing conditions faced by refugees in the war-torn country
- * The book tells the harrowing story of a survivor of the concentration camps
- * The film's harrowing portrayal of the disaster left the audience in tears
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
calming
soothing
comforting
reassuring
pleasant
enjoyable
delightful
uplifting
inspiring
heartwarming
reassuring
mild
gentle
moderate
bearable
tolerable
manageable
acceptable
pleasant
agreeable
satisfying
gratifying
relieving
mitigating