'terrify' originates from Late Latin, specifically the verb 'terrificare', where 'terrere' meant 'to frighten' and the suffix '-ficare' meant 'to make'.

'terrify' changed from Old French 'terrifier' and Late Latin 'terrificare' and eventually became the modern English word 'terrify' via Middle English borrowings.

Initially, it meant 'to make or cause terror', and over time it has retained that core meaning of 'cause great fear' with few major changes.