1. causing or involving great fear, suffering, or trouble; dreadful
Usage: literary; formal

Examples

• The prophet spoke of direful consequences if the people did not change their ways.
• Dark clouds gathered overhead, a direful sign of the approaching storm.
• The king received direful news from the battlefield.
• She had a direful premonition about the journey ahead.
• The ancient curse promised direful punishment for those who disturbed the tomb.
• His direful warnings went unheeded by the townspeople.