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atterrire

to terrify, to horrify

verb aht-ter-REE-reh Rare

Usage Note

Atterrire means to strike with terror — stronger than spaventare (to frighten) and closer to English 'to terrify.' It is a third-conjugation (-ire) verb. Note the double 'r'. Do not confuse with atterrare (to land an aircraft or to knock down), which has a completely different meaning.

Examples

"La scena del film l'aveva atterrita."

Natural Translation

The scene in the film had terrified her.

Literal Translation

The scene of-the film her-had terrified.

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