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 Continue reading … BLUNT REBUKE — Border czar fires back at Dem who warned agents would 'terrorize' Black Americans. — FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Stock Up Edge rusher Chop Robinson continues his dominant practices by terrorizing Dolphins offensive tackles all day. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 Gabby Williams, a former Chicago draft pick and standout, terrorized her onetime team to the tune of 13 points and three steals. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026 The Mexican government has surged hundreds of soldiers and national guardsmen across the city, ostensibly to disrupt the criminal groups who have terrorized it. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize

Verb

The aggressive approach deeply disrupted and frightened the participants.

— Kimmie Gordon, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
Penelope, too, is asked to occupy a landscape that frightens her, not only as a neurodivergent child in a neurotypical culture, but as a child now situated in an adult world.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

Jaylen Edgar, the teenager tried for the 2024 Halloween mass shooting in downtown Orlando that killed two, injured several others and terrified thousands, was found guilty of all charges Monday.

— Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
For Thomas, unpacking what went wrong goes well beyond the headless bodies, terrifying phone calls and dead ends.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

Of those who were injured, officials said that many were hurt while falling down or hitting themselves against furniture after being startled by the earthquake while sleeping.

— Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of a super restful sleep cycle, whether you are startled by the neighbor’s dog or an unwanted text message.

— Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of startle

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terrorisms

terrorize

terrorized

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“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorize

verb

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