as in frightened
filled with fear or dread
the terrorized victims didn't know where to run during the bombing raid
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in scared
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of terrorized
Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Similarly, Ethan, increasingly terrorized by it all, must keep his superior, Phil Sarkowski (Dean Norris), at bay, along with other colleagues, in order to keep Nora safe at a major turning point in their relationship.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
For over a year, a serial killer terrorized Los Angeles — until its residents took him down.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
The Syrian civil war, up to last week, was the tedious winnowing process in which the Assad government bombed, killed, and terrorized Syrians into either fleeing the country or submitting to him.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
Students and staff at the elementary school have been terrorized by the conduct that Sunrise's operations facilitate.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Steelers receiver George Pickens terrorized the Commanders defense to the tune of a near 100-yard receiving day while journeyman Mike Williams got behind Washington’s secondary to catch a go-ahead touchdown of over 30-plus yards to secure the 28-27 victory.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
And Barkley terrorized the Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, rushing for 176 yards on just 17 carries.
—Howard Megdal, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
In the film, three young women separated by decades and thousands of miles are terrorized by the same ethereal threat that nobody, not even them, can properly see.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
Verb
After achieving a conviction in a brutal triple homicide that had terrorized his mountain town, Sgt.
—Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Similarly, Ethan, increasingly terrorized by it all, must keep his superior, Phil Sarkowski (Dean Norris), at bay, along with other colleagues, in order to keep Nora safe at a major turning point in their relationship.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
For over a year, a serial killer terrorized Los Angeles — until its residents took him down.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
The Syrian civil war, up to last week, was the tedious winnowing process in which the Assad government bombed, killed, and terrorized Syrians into either fleeing the country or submitting to him.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
Students and staff at the elementary school have been terrorized by the conduct that Sunrise's operations facilitate.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Steelers receiver George Pickens terrorized the Commanders defense to the tune of a near 100-yard receiving day while journeyman Mike Williams got behind Washington’s secondary to catch a go-ahead touchdown of over 30-plus yards to secure the 28-27 victory.
—Kambui Bomani, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
And Barkley terrorized the Giants on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, rushing for 176 yards on just 17 carries.
—Howard Megdal, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
In the film, three young women separated by decades and thousands of miles are terrorized by the same ethereal threat that nobody, not even them, can properly see.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorized
Adjective
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These failures in public safety have led to stories from frightened educators, anxious students, and unsafe conditions for our city’s public school communities.—
Savanah Jackson,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2025
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Were there any moments on set where people were seriously quite frightened?—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
23 Dec. 2024
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My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Well, Netflix has found another one of these aspirational gurus who are scared to die and are willing to go to extreme lengths to preserve their physique — at any cost.—
Rebecca Aizin,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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More news: 3 Dodgers Under Most Pressure to Perform Following Shocking Roster Move While some fans appeared to be understandably scared, many just remained in their seats, seemingly unaware of the animal scurrying around them.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Namely, attendees can expect a number of high-energy sets from various DJs — who hopefully aren’t afraid of heights — throughout the temporary venue’s run, starting with a sneak peek performance by Carlita on May 16.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
12 May 2025
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Of course, none of this is easy—many of us are conditioned to wait for a chain of approvals or are afraid of making mistakes.—
Vanina Marcote,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Merz, visibly shocked, rose to confer with colleagues.—
Kirsti Knolle,
USA Today,
7 May 2025
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The co-worker’s laughter turned into a shocked expression after seeing the winning ticket.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2025
Adjective
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But even legal scholars with an expansive view of executive authority have grown alarmed.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
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Garcia, like many of us, is alarmed that these deportations aren’t just to a foreign country, but into a prison where a government official once said the only way out was in a coffin.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrorized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorized. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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