terrific Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite very great or intense
    • a terrific noise
    • a terrific thunderstorm storm
    • fought a terrific battle
  2. adjective satellite extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers
    fantastic; marvelous; marvellous; grand; howling; wonderful; wondrous; rattling; tremendous.
    • a fantastic trip to the Orient
    • the film was fantastic!
    • a howling success
    • a marvelous collection of rare books
    • had a rattling conversation about politics
    • a tremendous achievement
  3. adjective satellite causing extreme terror
    terrifying.
    • a terrifying wail

WordNet

Ter*rif"ic adjective
Etymology
L. terrificus; fr. terrere to frighten + facere to make. See Terror, and Fact.
Definitions
  1. Causing terror; adapted to excite great fear or dread; terrible; as, a terrific form; a terrific sight.

Webster 1913