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

Clark plays the daughter of Ursula (Jessica Chastain) and Russ (Jay Duplass), a young girl terrorized by a sinister figure who looks just like her mother, known as the titular Other Mommy. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

As Bela’s parents’ relationship fractures (Jay Duplass plays Dad), Other Mommy finds more opportunities to terrorize this family. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Those are respectable numbers, but fans have been clamoring for more game-changing plays from a pass rusher who terrorized opposing offensive linemen during training camp. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

There was a certain equilibrium to the way our family ate, fueling ourselves for our respective days either sitting at a laptop or terrorizing the socket plugs, the crayons, the cat. — Raven Smith, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026