terrorize

[ ter-uh-rahyz ]
See synonyms for: terrorizeterrorizedterrorizingterrorization on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),ter·ror·ized, ter·ror·iz·ing.
  1. to fill or overcome with terror.

  2. to dominate or coerce by intimidation.

  1. to produce widespread fear by acts of violence, as bombings.

Origin of terrorize

1
First recorded in 1815–25; terror + -ize
  • Also especially British, ter·ror·ise .

synonym study For terrorize

1, 2. See frighten.

Other words from terrorize

  • ter·ror·i·za·tion, noun
  • ter·ror·iz·er, noun
  • un·ter·ror·ized, adjective

Words Nearby terrorize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use terrorize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for terrorize

terrorize

terrorise

/ (ˈtɛrəˌraɪz) /


verb(tr)
  1. to coerce or control by violence, fear, threats, etc

  2. to inspire with dread; terrify

Derived forms of terrorize

  • terrorization or terrorisation, noun
  • terrorizer or terroriser, noun

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