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 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 Continue reading … BLUNT REBUKE — Border czar fires back at Dem who warned agents would 'terrorize' Black Americans. — FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize

Verb

However, Stone told Bialik that she was not frightened by the encounter.

— Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026
The prospect of Sean Steur or Lewis Hall — whose contract situation Wilson refused to be drawn on, despite being asked three times — leaving is not something which frightens the hierarchy.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

Since reintroducing Mexican wolves in 1998, the Fish and Wildlife Service has employed some programs to help manage livestock-wolf conflict, like using range-riders to monitor and deter wolves and scaring them off using non-lethal methods.

— Sarah Henry, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026
What scares me is to see so many people traveling so fast with electric power and with, presumably, no training!

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of scare

Verb

Black Palace is set in 1888 London as an emerging tabloid media terrifies the public with lurid stories of infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
Looking back on taking over a character so closely associated with Parton, Hilty once admitted that the prospect of playing Doralee with Parton watching initially terrified her.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorize

verb

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