Terrificáis

Terrificáis is the second-person plural present indicative form of the Spanish verb terrificar, meaning “you (all) terrify” or “you frighten.” It is used when addressing multiple people in the informal vosotros form, a form common in Spain and some other regions. In most of Latin America, speakers typically use ustedes and the third-person plural form, terrifican, in the present tense.

Etymology and classification: terrificar is a regular -ar verb formed with the prefix or root related to fear (terr-) and the -ificar suffix, which yields “to terrify.” The construction reflects a common pattern in Spanish for creating verbs meaning “to make [adjective]” or “to cause to become [adjective]” through -ificar. The vosotros form terrificáis follows the standard stress pattern of -ar verbs in the present tense, with the accent mark on the syllable preceding the -áis.

Usage notes: As a transitive verb, terrificar takes a direct object that denotes what or who is frightened. The phrasing can range from mild to extreme, depending on context and tone, and it can be literal or figurative (for example, describing a character’s intimidating presence).

Examples:

- Vosotros terrificáis a los rivales con solo una mirada.

- Cuando llegáis sin avisar, terrificáis a la gente de la casa.

See also: atterrorizar, asustar, miedo, terror. While terrificáis is correct in regions that use vosotros, Latin American Spanish speakers would typically use ustedes terrifican in the present tense.