horreur
/ɔ.ʁœʁ/masculine
The English phrase 'horror' can be translated into French as horreur. If unsure, use horreur. Wiktionary also lists effroi.
Meaning: intense distressing fear or repugnance (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| horreur | /ɔ.ʁœʁ/ | masculine |
| effroi | /e.fʁwa/ | masculine |
The word horreur expresses intense distressing fear or repugnance. It is commonly used in the phrase film d'horreur to refer to the horror film genre.
Which one should you use?
While horreur often refers to a feeling of disgust or the horror film genre, effroi is used specifically to describe a sudden, paralyzing sense of terror or dread.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective derived from horreur is horrible, which can describe something that causes fear or something that is simply very bad or unpleasant.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.ʁœʁ/
When do people say it?
To express a deep sense of horror or extreme fear, you can use the idiomatic expression La peur bleue.
Did you know?
- To express an extreme state of horror or terror, the French use the idiom la peur bleue, which literally translates to 'the blue fear'.
- The word horreur shares its roots with the Latin verb horreo, which means 'to shiver'. This connects the feeling of psychological dread directly to the physical sensation of trembling.
- Despite its Latin roots, the reason why horreur is a feminine noun in French remains a mystery to linguists.
Examples in context
- L'horreur porte un nom.Horror has a name.This sentence shows how to use horreur.Tatoeba #4626872 by sacredceltic, translation #1490754 by niceguydave
- Regardons un film d'horreur.Let's watch a horror movie.This sentence shows the standard way to refer to the horror film genre using horreur.Tatoeba #5394822 by alexisslay, translation #5389012 by Hybrid
- Aimes-tu les films d'horreur ?Do you like horror movies?This sentence uses horreur in the context of film genres.Tatoeba #5923314 by Aiji, translation #2980150 by Hybrid
- L'horreur était palpable dans la pièce.The horror was palpable in the room.
- Les films d'épouvante me font toujours sursauter.Horror movies always make me jump.
- Le roman est un mélange parfait de suspense et de terreur.The novel is a perfect blend of suspense and terror.
- J'ai regardé un film d'horreur hier soir et j'ai eu la flippe !I watched a horror movie last night, and I got scared stiff!
- Ce vieux manoir me donne vraiment la trouille, tu ne trouves pas ?This old mansion really gives me the creeps, don't you think?
- Ce film m'a fait vraiment peur, j'ai eu une peur bleue !This movie scared me so much, I was terrified!
- Pendant la fête foraine, j'ai eu une sacrée frousse sur le grand huit !During the fair, I got really scared on the roller coaster!
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing a news report about a disaster.
- HugoC'est une véritable horreur.It is a true horror.
- ManonOui, je n'ose même pas regarder.Yes, I don't even dare to look.
- HugoL'horreur de cette situation est indescriptible.The horror of this situation is indescribable.
- ManonOn espère que tout ira bien.We hope everything will be okay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horror” translations and entries horreur, effroi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries effroi, horreur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
