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 Zymire Hughes, the man accused of terrorizing at least a half-dozen people while wearing a Chucky-style mask in Center City, has been extradited to Philadelphia, police said. — Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Terrors of the Deep — Deadly sea beasts terrorize the fishermen along the docks. — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2026 Arrest documents offered a flurry of new details about two former Phoenix police officers suspected of terrorizing a couple during a traffic stop and failing to document or report the stop. — Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 26 Aug. 2026 The Brigands of Rattlecreek follows a sheriff and a doctor who seek revenge against a group of bandits who use the cover of a torrential thunderstorm to rob and terrorize the occupants of a small town. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize

Verb

Last Friday, the artist Pink published a lengthy criticism of Macklemore’s on-stage polemic, writing that his comments and use of violent wartime imagery had frightened many Jewish people, including her.

— Caitlin Dewey, Vox, 16 Sep. 2026
However, Stone told Bialik that she was not frightened by the encounter.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

After monitoring the situation, park managers found the bear unusually difficult to scare away and said its escalating proximity to humans posed a safety risk that was deemed unacceptable, according to the national park.

— Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Garner said HeeHaw charged toward the officers and continued approaching after a Polk County K-9 handler activated the electrical arc on a Taser in an attempt to scare him away.

— Christopher Harris, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of scare

Verb

William James almost eerily comfortable in situations that terrify everyone around him.

— Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Lily James and Jack Reynor‘s forthcoming horror-suspense film is aiming to terrify moviegoers just after the traditional spooky season.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of terrify

Browse Nearby Words

terrorisms

terrorize

terrorized

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“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorize

verb

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