(adj) causing fear or dread or terror, Syn. horrendous, dire, dreadful, horrific, fearsome, dreaded, direful, frightening, terrible, dread, fearful, Example:the awful war; an awful risk; dire news; a career or vengeance so direful that London was shocked; the dread presence of the headmaster; polio is no longer the dreaded disease it once was; a dreadful storm; a fearful howling; horrendous explosions shook the city; a terrible curse
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)