terrific

Etymology

From French terrifique, and its source, Latin terrificus (“terrifying”), from terrere (“to frighten, terrify”) + -ficus, from facere (“to make”).

adj

1. (now rare) Terrifying, causing terror; terrible; sublime, awe-inspiring.
   He made love in a coach and six, and married in a coach and twelve, and all his horses were milk-white horses with one red spot on the back which he caused to be hidden by the harness. For, the spot would come there, though every horse was milk-white when Captain Murderer bought him. And the spot was young bride's blood. (To this terrific point I am indebted for my first personal experience of a shudder and cold beads on the forehead.) 1860, Charles Dickens, Captain Murderer
2. Very strong or intense; excessive, tremendous.
   The car came round the bend at a terrific speed.
   I've got a terrific hangover this morning.
   The ſtar tremulous turn'd its thundering poles, and the whole creation reſounded; when, with terrific haſte, Adamida, in obediance to the divine command, flew amidſt overwhelming ſtorms, ruſhing clouds, falling mountains, and ſwelling ſeas. 1769, Joseph Collyer, transl., The Messiah, 4th edition, page 280
   When the warriors saw this, their cheers were terrific. 1943, H. Lorna Bingham, The Lost Tribe, Sydney: Winn and Co., page 23, column 2
3. Extremely good; excellent, amazing.
   I say! She's a terrific tennis player.