Terrorize

/ˈtɛrəraɪz/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to create fear or anxiety in someone, often through threats or violence.

The gang would terrorize the neighborhood, making residents afraid to go outside.

to subject someone to intimidation or fear as a tactic.

The dictator used propaganda to terrorize the population into submission.

to frighten someone in a way that causes extreme distress.

She was terrorized by nightmares after watching the horror film.

from Latin 'terrere' meaning 'to frighten'

terrorize someone

to instill fear in a person or group

terrorize a community

to create widespread fear among a group of people

terrorize for fun

to scare others as a form of amusement

terror

an intense feeling of fear

terrorism

the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians

intimidation

the action of frightening or intimidating someone

to freak out

That haunted house really terrorized me!

to scare the daylights out of

The prank he pulled on me totally terrorized me!