HARROWING definition: extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous. See examples of harrowing used in a sentence.

The adjective harrowing is often used to describe a firsthand experience that is terrifying, such as a harrowing drive home in icy weather, but it can also refer to a secondhand experience, such as …

Extremely distressing, traumatic, or emotionally painful to the point of causing deep anguish or torment. See example sentences, synonyms, and etymology for the adjective harrowing.

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A harrowing experience is extremely upsetting or disturbing. You've had a harrowing time this past month.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 har•row•ing (har′ ō ing), adj. extremely disturbing or distressing; grievous: a harrowing experience.

Dec 20, 2025 · Adjective harrowing (comparative more harrowing, superlative most harrowing) (formal) Causing pain or distress; harrying.

/ ˈher.oʊ.ɪŋ / Add to word list extremely upsetting because connected with suffering: a harrowing story

Define harrowing. harrowing synonyms, harrowing pronunciation, harrowing translation, English dictionary definition of harrowing. adj. Extremely distressing; agonizing: a harrowing experience.

Definition of harrowing adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Define harrowing. harrowing synonyms, harrowing pronunciation, harrowing translation, English dictionary definition of harrowing. adj. Extremely distressing; agonizing: a harrowing experience.

Definition of harrowing adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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