as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
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Recent Examples of terrorize
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster, which also starred Roy Scheider and Robert Shaw as a ragtag group trying to hunt a great white shark terrorizing a New England beach town.
—
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
Set in the fictional town of Miles County, New York, the Terrifier franchise follows the demonic serial killer known as Art the Clown, who has been terrorizing and torturing residents on Halloween in increasingly sick, cruel and sinister ways.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
During his college career with the Broncos, Jeanty terrorized opposing defenses.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
As the Club World Cup tournament unfolded, thousands of federal agents were roaming the streets of Southern California, seizing people from their workplaces, markets, and other places of daily life, terrorizing entire communities and forcing people into hiding.
—Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
Set in the fictional town of Miles County, New York, the Terrifier franchise follows the demonic serial killer known as Art the Clown, who has been terrorizing and torturing residents on Halloween in increasingly sick, cruel and sinister ways.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
During his college career with the Broncos, Jeanty terrorized opposing defenses.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
As the Club World Cup tournament unfolded, thousands of federal agents were roaming the streets of Southern California, seizing people from their workplaces, markets, and other places of daily life, terrorizing entire communities and forcing people into hiding.
—Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
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Stink bugs tend to drop when frightened, so fill a cup with soapy water and hold it under the stink bug.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
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What starts as a simple favor to keep her great-niece turns into a wild Halloween night filled with jump scares and pranks — but as usual, nothing frightens her more than bad manners and disrespect. Boo 2!—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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There’s a thread of carbolic soap, though not enough to scare away those even moderately familiar with smoky Islay Scotch.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
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Officials used horns, sirens and lights to scare the dogs away from Culbertson, according to KC Pet Project documents obtained by The Star.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
22 July 2025
Verb
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The trauma of the killings left her terrified to close her eyes and sleeping in her mom’s bed for reassurance no one would harm her.—
Rachel Roberts,
Idaho Statesman,
24 July 2025
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Chuck Schumer is terrified, but that's the reality of where Democrats are today.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Verb
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He remains easily startled by loud noises, avoids direct eye contact, and is wary of new visitors.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 July 2025
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The formidable climb of YouTube in audience and influence has indeed startled the pop culture universe.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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