TERRORIZE Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

terrorize

verb

ˈter-ər-ˌīz

Definition of terrorize

as in to frighten

to strike with fear thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes

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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 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 The onslaught aims to terrorize civilians, officials and analysts say, and break their will to resist Russia’s full-scale invasion since 2022. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 Since the beginning of July, Russian drones and missiles have been terrorizing Kyiv with exceptional intensity. — Dmytro Kuleba, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize

Verb

Douglas admitted that his father’s behavior left him and brother Joel frightened.

— Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
At the very start of the pandemic, while most Americans were hunkered down, frightened for their lives and worried about job loss, RealPage hosted a virtual pep talk for landlords.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

Dozens of other Halloween 2026 events in Metro Detroit are listed in the CBS News Detroit treats and scares roundup.

— Jack Springgate, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
In addition to scaring the bejesus out of Hamlet and demanding blood, the ghost informs the audience exactly how the murder occurred.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of scare

Verb

By this point, the audience knows the monster a little too well to be properly terrified of her.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026
Though privacy concerns around these agents’ access may be terrifying in their own right, for now the utopian vision seems to be winning.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

The parents admit to some corporal punishment, but of a mild sort—the kind that might startle a child but which wouldn’t do bodily harm.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026
However, startled by the activation of the security system, the suspect fled the scene without stealing any loot.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of startle

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terrorisms

terrorize

terrorized

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“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorize

verb

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