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!