What are some effective ways to use words used in scary stories to create a truly terrifying atmosphere?

Employ words that suggest the unknown or the supernatural. Words like 'paranormal', 'mystical', and 'otherworldly' can be great. For example, 'The otherworldly light that flickered in the abandoned asylum was a sign of something far more sinister at play. The very idea of the paranormal made the characters' skin crawl, and as the story unfolds with more such elements, the atmosphere becomes truly terrifying.'

One way is to combine phrases. For example, start with 'the moonless night was filled with an oppressive silence'. Then add 'and from the inky blackness, a guttural growl emerged'. The first phrase sets the scene of a dark and quiet night which is already a bit eerie. The second phrase then breaks that silence with a menacing sound, creating a more terrifying atmosphere. You can also use phrases to describe the setting in detail, like 'the dilapidated mansion with its broken windows and creaking doors'. This makes the reader imagine a spooky place and the phrases associated with it, like 'the cold drafts that whistled through the halls' can enhance the horror further.

One way is to use low lighting. Dim the lights so that only the face of the storyteller is slightly visible. Another is to add some ambient sounds like creaking doors or howling wind in the background. Also, the storyteller can use a slow, hushed voice to build suspense.

Scary theatre stories can create a terrifying atmosphere through their settings. For example, a dark, old castle or a fog - filled graveyard on stage can immediately set a spooky mood. Also, the use of lighting, like dim and flickering lights, can add to the fear factor.

One scary story is about a haunted house where strange noises and apparitions are constantly witnessed. Another is a tale of a cursed forest where people get lost and never return.

Words such as 'ominous', 'forbidding', and 'sinister' work well. 'Ominous' gives the feeling that something bad is about to happen, like an ominous cloud on the horizon. 'Forbidding' makes a place or situation seem unwelcoming and dangerous. 'Sinister' implies evil or malevolence, for example, a sinister figure in a dark alley.

Words like 'haunted', 'gloomy' and 'eerie' are great. 'Haunted' implies a place or thing is possessed by spirits which is very spooky. 'Gloomy' gives a sense of darkness and sadness, setting a foreboding mood. 'Eerie' makes one feel that something strange and unsettling is about to happen.

Using vivid descriptions of the scary things helps too. For instance, 'The monster had eyes that glowed like red hot coals in the pitch - black night. Its breath smelled of decay and death, and its claws were long and sharp, scraping against the stone floor as it moved towards me. By painting a detailed picture, you can really spook your readers.'

Use of sound is crucial. For example, the sound of dripping water that seems to echo in the silence can be really creepy. Also, having the protagonist hear faint footsteps but not see anyone can create a terrifying atmosphere.

Words such as 'forlorn', 'bleak', and 'sinister' can enhance dark stories. 'Forlorn' makes the reader feel a sense of loneliness and despair. 'Bleak' gives a feeling of emptiness and hopelessness. 'Sinister' is very effective as it straight away gives the impression of evil or malevolence.