Synonyms of terrorize

terrorize

verb

ˈter-ər-ˌīz 

as in to frighten

to strike with fear

thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frighten
• scare
• terrify
• startle
• spook
• horrify
• panic
• scarify
• shock
• shake
• fright
• affright
• alarm
• amaze
• distract
• give one the creeps
• appall
• make one's flesh creep
• shake up
• worry
• astound
• emasculate
• unsettle
• disturb
• unnerve
• dismay
• demoralize
• awe
• jolt
• dispirit
• daunt
• perturb
• distress
• upset
• floor
• discomfort
• disconcert
• bowl over
• unman
• psych (out)
• disquiet
• chill
• undo
• discompose
• unstring

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassure
• assure
• cheer
• soothe
• comfort
• encourage
• inspire
• console
• steel
• solace
• embolden
• hearten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of terrorize

Instead, Judith completes the task on her own terms, terrorizing Sam and innocent skiers in her wake. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 July 2026

The 1990s were a period of instability across the country, including in Goma, which saw periods of widespread looting that started with mutinous security forces and during which soldiers terrorized the population. — Chinatsu Tsuji, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 July 2026

The river once terrorized Angelenos; its unconstrained flow was prone to flooding until most of its 51 miles were lined with concrete starting in the 1940s. — Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Ahead of his final year at the prestigious Buckley School, Bret (Igby Rigney) is shaken up by a mysterious new student, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere), who arrives just as a serial killer called the Trawler is terrorizing LA. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 13 July 2026