harrowing
adjectiveUK /ˈhær.əʊ.ɪŋ/
US /ˈher.oʊ.ɪŋ/
Something harrowing is very scary or upsetting to go through.
The family told a harrowing story about the storm.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Causing great emotional pain or suffering over a long time.
She had a harrowing year after losing her job.
3. Extremely difficult and tiring to experience.
The climb down the mountain was a harrowing journey.
4. In farming, the act of breaking up soil with a harrow.
Harrowing the field helped the seeds grow.