horripilating UK /hɒˌɹɪpɪˈleɪtɪŋ/US /hɑˌɹipiˈleɪtiŋ/ adjective2 •Causing horripilation. •(figurative) Horrendous, horrifying, terrifying.I was sadly shocked, however, when he said he could prove that God hates the truth; the effect was horripilating. — 1845 formsmore horripilating · most horripilating