Definition

A type of story that is scary or unsettling, often involving violence or supernatural elements.

Example

The movie was a real chiller, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.

Conversation

Have you read that new chiller everyone is talking about?

No, I haven't yet, but I heard it's really good.

I stayed up all night because it was so gripping and eerie!

Wow, now I definitely need to check out that chiller.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chiller → The word 'chiller' is derived from the verb 'chill' (from Old English 'ciele', meaning cold) with the addition of the suffix '-er' (meaning a person or thing that performs a specified action). A chiller is something that causes or produces cold.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chill' as making something cold, and the '-er' indicates it is a thing that does this — a chiller is something that makes things cold.

Visually Confused Words