Ter"ri*ble (?), a. [F., fr. L. terribilis, fr. terrere to frighten. See Terror.]

1. Adapted or likely to excite terror, awe, or dread; dreadful; formidable.

Prudent in peace, and terrible in war. Prior.

Thou shalt not be affrighted at them; for the Lord thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible. Deut. vii. 21.

2. Excessive; extreme; severe. [Colloq.]

The terrible coldness of the season. Clarendon.

Syn. -- Terrific; fearful; frightful; formidable; dreadful; horrible; shocking; awful.

-- Ter"ri*ble*ness, n. -- Ter"ri*bly, adv.

-- Webster's unabridged 1913