Quality-approved learning entryAdjectiveLevel B2

chilling

Causing fear, shock or a strong feeling of unease.

IPAUK /ˈtʃɪl.ɪŋ/

Stress CHILL, first syllable.

Meaning 1neutral · 89%

Causing fear, shock or a strong feeling of unease.

The witness gave a chilling account of the incident.

That final scene was genuinely chilling.

Visitors read chilling details about the prison.

In descriptions of stories or news, chilling often means frightening rather than physically cold.

chilling account — a deeply disturbing description — something that powerfully recalls a frightening truth

chilling reminder

chilling effect — an intimidating or discouraging influence

A chilling revelation can make you feel uneasy even in a warm room.

Choose one answer.

A chilling story is most likely what?

Meaning 2neutral · 85%

A chilling wind blew across the ridge.

The mist was chilling against our damp clothes.

We felt a chilling breeze through the tent.

For ordinary cold temperatures, chilly or cold is often more natural; chilling emphasizes the physical effect.

chilling wind — air that makes the body feel very coldchilling breeze — a cold movement of air

Chilling describes something making you cold; chilly describes air, weather or people that feel cold.

Choose one answer.

Which sentence uses chilling literally?