Meaning & Definition of word "Terrorize"
Terrorize
/ˈtɛrəraɪz/
verb:
- 1. to create fear or anxiety in someone, often through threats or violence.
- Example: The gang would terrorize the neighborhood, making residents afraid to go outside.
- 2. to subject someone to intimidation or fear as a tactic.
- Example: The dictator used propaganda to terrorize the population into submission.
- 3. to frighten someone in a way that causes extreme distress.
- Example: She was terrorized by nightmares after watching the horror film.
Etymology
●from Latin 'terrere' meaning 'to frighten'
Common Phrases and Expressions
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
Related Words
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
Slang Meanings of terrorize
Meaning: to freak out
● Example Sentence: That haunted house really terrorized me!
Meaning: to scare the daylights out of
● Example Sentence: The prank he pulled on me totally terrorized me!