terror
ter·ror
noun \ˈter-ər, ˈte-rər\Definition of TERROR
1
: a state of intense fear
2
3
4
: violent or destructive acts (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands <insurrection and revolutionary terror>
— ter·ror·less \-ləs\ adjective
Examples of TERROR
- 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
Origin of TERROR
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: 14th century
Related to TERROR
- Synonyms
- affliction, hang-up, demon, torment
See Synonym Discussion at fear
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