Ivan IV's (1530-1584 C.E) nickname Ivan the Terrible is more accurately translated as Ivan the Awesome or Ivan the Formidable. The Russian word grozny was used to describe Ivan IV. Grozny means "formidable" or "awesome" not "bad" or "horrific." The original meaning of terrible--i.e. the meaning of terrible in the 16th century--was close to the meaning of grozny. Therefore, at the time, it was an acceptable translation.

With that said, Ivan IV committed some terrible acts during his reign as Tsar.

• When Ivan was 13 he ordered the capture and execution of a high ranking noble. Ivan ordered the man to be thrown to starving hunting dogs.
• When his wife died in 1560 he had several boyars1 tortured and killed. He suspected them of poisoning his wife.
• Ivan created the Oprichniki, a group of military men who decorated their saddles with dog's heads and brooms, to carry out his orders.
• In 1581 Ivan beat his pregnant daughter for wearing improper clothing; it is believed to have caused her miscarriage.

1. A boyar is a high ranking nobleman.