Can Something Be Harrowing?

The adjective harrowing is often used to describe a firsthand experience that is terrifying, such as a harrowing drive home in icy weather, but it can also refer to a secondhand experience, such as reading or watching something that is very frightening or disturbing.

What does it mean when something is harrowing?

: very distressing or painful a harrowing experience.

What is an example of harrowing?

Harrowing Sentence Examples

The train crash was a harrowing experience for everyone involved. I don't think I could live through such a harrowing event again. Because of her harrowing experience on an out-of-control roller coaster, Julia refuses to step foot in an amusement park.