spaventoso

Spaventoso is an Italian adjective meaning very frightening or frightful. It describes something that provokes fear, alarm, or strong astonishment, such as a terrifying scene, a loud or sudden noise, or a dangerous situation. In a figurative sense, it can also express that something is strikingly shocking or remarkable, not necessarily in a negative mood.

Etymology and form: the word derives from the verb spaventare (to frighten) and the noun spavento (fright). The suffix -oso indicates a quality or characteristic, so spaventoso literally means “full of fright.”

Usage and nuance: spaventoso conveys a high degree of fear or horror and is common in everyday speech, journalism, and fiction. It carries a vivid, affective charge and is somewhat more emphatic than synonyms like pauroso or temibile, though less formal than certain literary terms. In some contexts it can be used hyperbolically to emphasize shock or amazement rather than literal danger. Related terms include spaventevole (frightful) and spaventare (to frighten).

Examples: Il rumore spaventoso della tempesta fece tremare le finestre. Era una scoperta spaventosa per l’intera comunità. In un racconto, un castello abbandonato può essere descritto come spaventoso per creare tensione.

See also: spavento, spaventare, spaventevole. In uso popolare, spaventoso remains a versatile descriptor for events, scenes, or discoveries that elicit a strong emotional response.