terror

noun

ter·​ror ˈter-ər 

ˈte-rər

plural terrors

1

: a state of intense or overwhelming fear

overcome by terror

people fleeing the scene in terror

He lived in terror of being caught.

2

: violence or the threat of violence used as a weapon of intimidation or coercion

a regime that rules by terror

especially : violent or destructive acts (such as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands

an act of terror

the war on terror

—sometimes used before another noun

a terror attack

3

: a very frightening or terrifying aspect

the terrors of war

4

a

: someone or something that inspires fear : scourge

I stood before fierce Mrs. Mabel Johnston, his secretary and the terror of the office.

—Russell Baker

Before rifles were available to Eskimo hunters, bears were truly the terror of their existence.

—Charles T. Feazel

b

informal : an extremely disruptive or annoying person or thing

especially : a misbehaving child : brat

Their son is a little terror.

5

: reign of terror

terrorless

ˈter-ər-ləs 

ˈte-rər-

adjective

Synonyms

• affliction
• demon
• daemon
• hang-up
• torment

Choose the Right Synonym for terror

fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.

fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

Examples of terror in a Sentence

The sound of guns being fired fills me with terror.

Many civilians fled in terror.

a terror that is still fresh in her memory

the terrors of life in the jungle

a regime that rules by terror

bombings and other acts of terror

These people have been living with terror and the threat of terror for many years.

a campaign of terror against ethnic minority groups

Recent Examples on the Web

Riley's sister Lauren Phillips talked about Riley's terror during her final moments. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024

The songs add extra joy and vigor to a take if tragedy and terror (and Jai being extremely dramatic about his love life), with dance performances by Hema Malini and a Holi celebration. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 19 Nov. 2024

Iran possessing nukes represents an existential threat to Israel’s security in a way that terror groups—despite their horrific actions—simply never did. —Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024

The suit details Iran's embrace of various terror groups dedicated to the destruction of Israel. —Louis Casiano, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French terrour, from Latin terror, from terrēre to frighten; akin to Greek trein to be afraid, flee, tremein to tremble — more at tremble

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing terror

• counter-terror
• hold no terror(s)
• holy terror
• night terror
• reign of terror

Kids Definition

terror

noun

ter·​ror ˈter-ər 

1

: a state of great fear

2

: a cause of great fear

3

a

: a dreadful person or thing

b

informal : an unruly child

4

: violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by a group as a way of achieving its goals

Legal Definition

terror

noun

ter·​ror

: an intense fear of physical injury or death

inflict terror by forced entry or unlawful assembly

also : the infliction of such fear

an act of terror