terror

noun

ter·ror | \ ˈter-ər

, ˈte-rər\

Definition of terror

1 : a state of intense fear

2a : 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

Other Words from terror Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about terror

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Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

That Iran feels comfortable planning terror attacks in Europe after the nuclear deal was signed should be a red flag. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Europe’s Baby Steps on Iran," 9 Jan. 2019 Twelve others face maximum 15-year terms on charges of membership in a terror group. — Suzan Fraser, The Seattle Times, "Turkey: 28 on trial over Russian ambassador’s slaying," 8 Jan. 2019 When asked if there is any evidence Campa-Najjar has been linked to terror groups, Hunter Sr. again cited the family association. — Fox News, "Indicted California incumbent steps up attacks on Democrat," 16 Oct. 2018 Before Sunday, at least 130,000 people had been sacked based on what authorities said were links to terror groups. — Kareem Fahim, Washington Post, "As Erdogan prepares for new term, Turkey dismisses more than 18,000 civil servants," 8 July 2018 In Syria and Iraq, the unspeakable acts of Islamic State were proportional to the speed of the terror group’s collapse. — Mark Sappenfield, The Christian Science Monitor, "Nigeria’s schoolgirl rebellion," 26 June 2018 Yemen is also an important front in the war on terror, and has remained so across presidential administrations of both parties. — Mike Pompeo, WSJ, "The U.S.-Saudi Partnership Is Vital," 27 Nov. 2018 From the beginning, performing and a kind of self-doubt that bordered on terror went hand in hand for Hedges. — Adam Green, Vogue, "With a Bushel of New Film Roles—and a Broadway Debut—Lucas Hedges Is Learning to Love the Spotlight," 24 Sep. 2018 Of course, this did not go unnoticed by non-state actors such as terror groups. — Ulrike Franke, The Verge, "The Caracas drone attack won’t be the last of its kind," 17 Aug. 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.