terror

noun ter·ror \ ˈter-ər , ˈte-rər \

|Updated on: 19 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: terror in a Sentence

Definition of terror

1 : a state of intense fear

2 a : one that inspires fear : scourge

b : a frightening aspect

c : a cause of anxiety : worry

d : an appalling person or thing; especially : brat

3 : reign of terror

4 : violent or destructive acts (such as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands

—

terrorless

play \ˈter-ər-ləs, ˈte-rər-\ adjective

See terror defined for English-language learners

See terror defined for kids

Examples of terror in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of terror from the Web

Just this past week there were Iranians arrested in Europe who were preparing to conduct a terror plot in Paris, France.

— matthew lee, Fox News, "Pompeo presses Europe to get tough on Iran," 13 July 2018
Their assignment is to retrieve three highly dangerous plutonium cores from a man code-named John Lark, who is working with anarchist terror-network The Syndicate (yes, them again) to bring down the free world.

— refinery29.com, "Mission Impossible: Fallout Is As Wild & Fun As Henry Cavill's Mustache," 12 July 2018
Gardens changed style to attempt to meet the evolving views of the beautiful, the picturesque or the sublime, with its requisite elements of awe and terror.

— barbara paul robinson, WSJ, "‘Life in the Garden’ Review: Getting Your Hands Dirty," 12 July 2018
The offensive linemen are blocking for a pocket passer, not a terror in the open field.

— jake lourim, The Courier-Journal, "U of L Insider: New stars must step up for Lamar Jackson-less Cards," 11 July 2018
More than two years after his conviction for making terror threats against governmental facilities in Lake County, a California man was sentenced to six years in prison — then released soon after due to time already spent in custody.

— jim newton, Lake County News-Sun, "Man convicted of terrorist threat against Lake County Courthouse sentenced and released," 9 July 2018
Iran unequivocally condemns all violence & terror anywhere, and is ready to work with all concerned to uncover what is a sinister false flag ploy.

— NBC News, "Was it an Iranian terror plot or a false flag operation?," 6 July 2018
Johnny Robinson, a one-time terror in the defensive backfield for the Chiefs, today operates a home for wayward youth in his home state of Louisiana.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "Amid Hall of Fame campaign, Chiefs great Johnny Robinson stands for something more," 5 July 2018
The Nordic nation scored low points for homicides, number of people in jail, and terror acts, earning a 1.096 overall.

— ryan craggs, Condé Nast Traveler, "The 10 Safest Countries in the World," 5 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terror.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

terror Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of terror

fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

- fear of the unknown

dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

- faced the meeting with dread

fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

- fright at being awakened suddenly

alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

- view the situation with alarm

panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

- the news caused widespread panic

terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

- immobilized with terror

trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

- raised the subject with trepidation

TERROR Defined for English Language Learners

terror

noun

Definition of terror for English Language Learners

: a very strong feeling of fear
: something that causes very strong feelings of fear : something that is terrifying
: violence that is committed by a person, group, or government in order to frighten people and achieve a political goal