effroi

terror, dread

noun eh-FRWAH Rare

Origin: Old French 'esfreer' (to frighten)

Usage Note

Effroi is a literary or elevated word for intense, sudden fear — stronger and more archaic-sounding than la peur or la frayeur. It is common in narrative prose and poetry but rare in casual speech. Saisi d'effroi ('seized with terror') is a fixed literary phrase.

Examples

"Un cri d'effroi traversa la nuit."

Natural Translation

A cry of terror pierced the night.

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