adv. [f. as prec. + -LY2: see -ICALLY.] In a terrific or terrifying manner; frightfully, dreadfully, shockingly.
1814. C. Clairmont, in Dowden, Shelley (1887), I. 452, note. A most terrifically dirty inn.
1817. J. Scott, Paris Revisit. (ed. 4), 79. The reports of the distant war sound terrifically in the ear.
1846. Mrs. Sherwood, in P. Parley’s Ann., VII. 228. Arches of rock, which hung terrifically over my head.
1904. Hichens, Gard. Allah, Prel. vi. Terrifically greater, more overpowering than man.
b. colloq. in intensive use: Alarmingly, excessively, extremely. (Cf. awfully, dreadfully.)
1859. Darwin, in Life & Lett. (1887), II. 160. My corrections are terrifically heavy.
1883. J. Parker, Apost. Life, II. 188. Always be terrifically hard upon yourself.
1885. G. Meredith, Diana Crossways, ii. Terrifically precocious, he thought her.
