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 Criminal organizations terrorize Arab communities, while killings have reached unprecedented levels under the current government – largely through state complicity. — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026 The violent film focuses on a wind-up monkey toy who terrorizes a pair of twin brothers with death and havoc. — Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 12 Oct. 2026 In The Babysitter, desperate to earn enough money for a prestigious writing program, 16-year-old Jenny takes a babysitting job despite a prowler terrorizing girls across town. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 Clark plays the daughter of Ursula (Jessica Chastain) and Russ (Jay Duplass), a young girl terrorized by a sinister figure who looks just like her mother, known as the titular Other Mommy. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize

Verb

For Cox and Walker, the challenge was to introduce horror-film conventions without frightening the franchise’s youngest viewers.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Guitarricadelafuente said he was initially frightened by the prospect of acting in La Bola Negra.

— Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of frighten

Verb

The white whale of American politics seemed in reach until the president spent two years scaring it away.

— Gabe Fleisher, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
El-Sayed is a handy bogeyman for Republican politicians who seek to scare their constituents into voting for them instead of the foreboding Arab name on the ballot.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of scare

Verb

No wonder Dad had been terrified of making a mistake, of relaxing or trusting others enough to let his guard down.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Now a ruthless emperor, Paul must face the consequences of his reign as old allies return, terrifying new threats emerge and betrayal lurks in every shadow.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrify

Verb

One of my co-workers tends to blast through this door at top speed, often startling a person reaching for the handle on the other side.

— Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Surveillance footage & evidence Police reviewed surveillance footage in the area, which showed the two gunshot victims walking, then appear startled, according to court records.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of terrorize

verb

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