Synonyms of terrorize

terrorize

verb

ˈter-ər-ˌīz 

as in to frighten

to strike with fear

thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frighten
• scare
• terrify
• startle
• spook
• horrify
• panic
• scarify
• shock
• shake
• fright
• affright
• alarm
• amaze
• distract
• give one the creeps
• appall
• make one's flesh creep
• shake up
• worry
• astound
• emasculate
• unsettle
• disturb
• unnerve
• dismay
• demoralize
• awe
• jolt
• dispirit
• daunt
• perturb
• distress
• upset
• floor
• discomfort
• disconcert
• bowl over
• unman
• psych (out)
• disquiet
• chill
• undo
• discompose
• unstring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• assure
• cheer
• soothe
• comfort
• encourage
• inspire
• console
• steel
• solace
• embolden
• hearten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of terrorize

Settler violence against Palestinians has risen sharply during Netanyahu’s tenure, but the militant settlers who make headlines by terrorizing their Palestinian neighbors tend to live on hilltops deeper into the West Bank than this. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026

Wisconsin tallied just eight total yards in the first quarter, as the Trojans swarmed the line of scrimmage and terrorized Joseph in the pocket. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026

Halloween is one week away, and Heidi Klum is already terrorizing the masses with her latest costume. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Oct. 2026

The fact of the matter is that somebody is out there trying to scare neighbors and that's terrorizing. — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026