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 Moscow continues to increase its production of glide bombs, which threaten Ukrainian military positions and terrorize cities close to the frontline—including regional capitals such as Zaporizhzhia or Sumy. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 But Russia has scored some points of its own recently, and not just by terrorizing Ukrainian civilians with long-range missiles. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 31 July 2026 The indiscriminate immigration raids that terrorized Latino communities appeared to have worsened after the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in September, according to LULAC’s report. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Ina and David Steiner are getting tens of millions of dollars from eBay after being terrorized by former executives and employees in a bizarre harassment campaign. — Tammy Mutasa, CBS News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize

Verb

Taylor contends the company welcomes more FDA scrutiny, and cautions against letting the outbreak frighten consumers away from eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

— Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Studios that let a government inquiry frighten them into caution are not managing risk.

— Christopher Racster, IndieWire, 23 July 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

He is terrified by it, but at the same time tries to use this instrument of terror so as to be master of it in his turn.

— Jan Tumlir, Artforum, 5 Aug. 2026
Cristobal and the Canes are crushing recruiting by every conceivable metric, which should terrify the rest of the country.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

Witness Hoon Chan Sim, 53, was sitting on a park lawn with his dog near West Drive when he was startled by the squeal of braking tires, and spun around to see the horrific collision.

— Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026
Wildlife experts say black bears are strong climbers and may scale trees, utility poles or other tall structures when startled by people, traffic or dogs.

— Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 23 July 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 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorize

verb

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