as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of terrorize
Following the encounter, Carmilla returns to the estate where the wedding is taking place and begins to terrorize the grounds.
—
Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
Though Sonic’s Google Maps joke falls a little flat, the shots of Shadow using a weird orb to terrorize everyone gives him a bit of a Mewtwo vibe that feels fitting, given his being something of a misunderstood villain.
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 25 Nov. 2024
This group of larger-than-life personalities not only terrorized quarterbacks but captivated a city with their flamboyant style and relentless drive.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
By 2023, the Kremlin developed a new strategy to terrorize Ukraine and force its capitulation: destroy its energy infrastructure.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrorize 
Jordan Crucchiola, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
Though Sonic’s Google Maps joke falls a little flat, the shots of Shadow using a weird orb to terrorize everyone gives him a bit of a Mewtwo vibe that feels fitting, given his being something of a misunderstood villain.
—Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 25 Nov. 2024
This group of larger-than-life personalities not only terrorized quarterbacks but captivated a city with their flamboyant style and relentless drive.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2024
By 2023, the Kremlin developed a new strategy to terrorize Ukraine and force its capitulation: destroy its energy infrastructure.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
-
Some sea creatures manifest that may frighten the littles.Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 26 Nov. 2024
-
Carmen walks away, frightened, but Lenù gets even closer to the scene of the crime, asking witnesses what happened.Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
-
After moving to New York City in her mid-20s, Gloria Steinem made a list of the things about it that scared her.Sarah Medford, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
-
Still, the issue was not enough to scare off the NFL or the National Basketball Association, which renewed its contract with Nike in October.Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
All at once, Eggers pays homage to Schreck’s beast and contorts him entirely; honoring the folklore written by and about the people who truly believed these creatures existed and were terrified of them.Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024
-
As the fighting ramped up in September, with daily missile barrages on the entire north, people were terrified of driving, fearing they’d be caught on the roads without shelter.Dina Kraft, The Christian Science Monitor, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
She was startled out of her reverie—a strange erotic daydream, flesh without body, warmth without a face.Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024
-
Unfortunately, that proves to be a problem when freaking Rob Cameron (Chris Fulton) startles Bri in her kitchen!Lincee Ray, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near terrorize
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share