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
In an otherwise quiet San Fernando Valley neighborhood, a man has continued to terrorize others for years, and neighbors say their calls for help have gone unresolved.
—
Brittney Ermon, CBS News, 3 May 2026
These attacks often provided a larger cultural pretext for the campaigns of extralegal political violence that terrorized Black voters in the South, assassinated political leaders, and marred the integrity of several of the region’s major elections.
—Robert D. Bland, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
There’s folklore about a witch in the woods who terrorizes travelers, and a few creepy figurines to go along with the story.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Several people are injured after a tornado in Mineral Wells, Texas, flattened a portion of the town Tuesday night, the sixth day of a severe storm outbreak that has terrorized the Midwest and South.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Brittney Ermon, CBS News, 3 May 2026
These attacks often provided a larger cultural pretext for the campaigns of extralegal political violence that terrorized Black voters in the South, assassinated political leaders, and marred the integrity of several of the region’s major elections.
—Robert D. Bland, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2026
There’s folklore about a witch in the woods who terrorizes travelers, and a few creepy figurines to go along with the story.
—ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026
Several people are injured after a tornado in Mineral Wells, Texas, flattened a portion of the town Tuesday night, the sixth day of a severe storm outbreak that has terrorized the Midwest and South.
—Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
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But the future Hall of Famer is coming off ACL surgery, might lack mobility, and has a receiving corps that frightens nobody.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
15 May 2026
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This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.—
Thomas L. Friedman,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Don’t let the Frito pie flavor scare you away — Salt & Straw ice cream is known for its richness, packed with as much butter-fat content as possible — similar to Melt.—
Ella Gonzales
May 15,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
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Over-regulating could scare more insurers away; under-regulating could inflate prices even more.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Facing the endless Cylon onslaught in the void of space is terrifying even in 2D battles, but many of Scattered Hopes' gut punches happen during unexpected narrative events or tough choices that doom entire ship populations.—
Ian Stokes,
Space.com,
15 May 2026
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The phenomenon of lynching has always fascinated and terrified me, whether physical or mediated.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
Verb
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On one occasion, a suckerfish was captured disappearing into a manta ray's backside after a diver swimming nearby appeared to startle it.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
Avoid sudden movements or noises, which can startle animals.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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