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Synonyms

harrowing

American  
[har-oh-ing] / ˈhær oʊ ɪŋ /

adjective

  1. extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous.

    a harrowing experience.

    Synonyms:
    heartbreaking, agonizing, painful

Other Word Forms

  • harrowingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of harrowing

First recorded in 1800–10; harrow 1 + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A loss to the Huskies, who are 14-15, would make climbing back from the bubble brink especially harrowing.

From Los Angeles Times

He lives to tell the harrowing tale—and to remember those who did not make it back to daylight.

From The Wall Street Journal

She argued that too many people "have a horrible, harrowing death" under the current system.

From BBC

Twitch accompanied Major Puff back to the burrow, where a quiet cup of tea was in order after such a harrowing morning.

From Literature

With her increasingly fluent English and photography skills, Mrie finally seeks refuge in the United States — and addresses the behavioral fallout of her harrowing history.

From Los Angeles Times