Aterrador vs. atemorizante vs. escalofriante vs. espantoso vs. temible
Spanish, like many languages, has multiple words to express the concept of fear. Five such words are 'aterrador', 'atemorizante', 'escalofriante', 'espantoso', and 'temible'. Each has subtle nuances and connotations, although they all pertain to fear in some sense.
Aterrador
This word connotes a gut-clenching, heart-stopping kind of fear, inducing terror. It is often used for something overwhelmingly horrifying.
El sonido de los truenos durante la noche es aterrador para los niños pequenos.
(The sound of thunder during the night is terrifying for small children.)
Atemorizante
It refers to something or someone that induces fear or frightens. While it's similar to 'aterrador', it's often used for less immediate fears.
La serpiente en la película era atemorizante.
(The snake in the movie was frightening.)
Escalofriante
'Escalofriante' usually refers to something that gives you chills or makes your hair stand on end. It can be related with cold as well as horror.
Hay una historia escalofriante sobre esa casa abandonada.
(There's a chilling story about that abandoned house.)
Espantoso
'Espantoso' derives from the verb 'espantar' which means to frighten or scare away. It is frequently used when pointing out negative situations or phenomena.
El accidente automovilístico fue espantoso.
(The car accident was dreadful.)
Temible
'Temible' refers to someone or something that is capable of causing great fear or apprehension. It might denote a level of respect along with the fear aspect.
Es un adversario temible en el campo de fútbol.
(He's a fearsome opponent on the football field.)
Summary
All these Spanish words refer to different degrees and types of fear, expressing everything from chilling horror ('escalofriante') to the capability to induce fear ('temible'). They each carry nuances reflecting the richness and variety of human perception of fear.