escalofriante

Escalofriante is a Spanish adjective meaning something that causes a chill or fear; something that gives goosebumps. The term derives from escalofrío, the sensation of shivering or goosebumps caused by cold or fear, and the suffix -ante indicating an agent or cause.

Usage: It describes stimuli with a chilling or eerie effect: stories, films, landscapes, experiences. It can denote atmosphere or a specific moment that triggers a tense, unsettled feeling. It is common in journalism, reviews, social media, and everyday speech in both Spain and Latin America. It is somewhat less intense than espeluznante or terrorífico, yet flexible, and can range from mildly unsettling to strongly frightening depending on context.

Common synonyms include espeluznante, aterrador, estremecedor; these terms convey varying degrees of intensity or emphasis. Etymology: escalofriante is formed from escalofrío (the goosebumps or shiver sense) and the -ante suffix that marks causation or an active quality.

See also: escalofrío, espeluznante, terrorífico.