Inklingo
A small, wide-eyed rabbit cartoon character is shown trembling with fear. A large, indistinct dark purple shadow looms behind it, representing a terrifying presence.

aterrador

ah-teh-rrah-DOR

terrifying?causing great fear,frightening?scary
Also:horrifying?describing an awful event,dreadful?describing an experience or situation

📝 In Action

Vimos una película tan aterradora que no pude dormir.

B1

We saw such a terrifying movie that I couldn't sleep.

La noticia del desastre fue aterradora para todos.

B2

The news of the disaster was frightening for everyone.

Los ruidos aterradores venían del sótano abandonado.

B2

The terrifying noises were coming from the abandoned basement.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • espantoso (dreadful, horrifying)
  • terrorífico (terror-inducing)
  • temible (fearsome)

Antonyms

  • tranquilizador (soothing, reassuring)
  • calmante (calming)

Common Collocations

  • una experiencia aterradoraa terrifying experience
  • un silencio aterradora terrifying silence

💡 Grammar Points

Adjective Agreement

This word must match the noun it describes. Use 'aterrador' for masculine nouns (el monstruo aterrador) and 'aterradora' for feminine nouns (la situación aterradora).

Placement

Like most descriptive adjectives, 'aterrador' usually goes after the noun it modifies: 'un fantasma aterrador' (a terrifying ghost).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing the Verb

Mistake: "Using 'aterrar' when you mean 'to land' (a plane)."

Correction: While related, 'aterrar' usually means 'to terrify.' For a plane landing, use 'aterrizar.'

⭐ Usage Tips

Stronger than 'Scary'

Use 'aterrador' when something is truly shocking or deeply frightening, like a horror movie or a terrible piece of news. For mild fear, use 'asustado' or 'miedoso'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: aterrador

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the feminine form of the word?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

terror(terror, dread (noun)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'aterrador' and 'asustado'?

'Aterrador' describes the thing that *causes* the fear (e.g., 'The movie is terrifying'). 'Asustado' describes the person who *feels* the fear (e.g., 'I am scared').

How do I make 'aterrador' plural?

You simply add '-es' to the end: 'aterradores' (masculine plural) or 'aterradoras' (feminine plural).