terrorize

verb

ter·​ror·​ize ˈter-ər-ˌīz How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
terrorized; terrorizing
Synonyms of terrorizenext

transitive verb

1
: to fill with terror or anxiety : scare
2
: to coerce by threat or violence
terrorization
ˌter-ər-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of terrorize

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Examples of terrorize in a Sentence

As a child she terrorized her younger siblings. She was terrorized by nightmares. Employees were terrorized into accepting abysmal working conditions.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Closer to the front lines, Russians have employed smaller attack drones to terrorize civilian areas in Ukraine, targeting gas stations and vehicles. — Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026 But bad ideas are like those Hollywood horror movies in which monsters always reemerge from the swamps to terrorize us again. — Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Rising antisemitic hate-crime stats suggest the proliferation of deranged bigots terrorizing the Jewish community, some who may go on to commit deadly crimes if they are not apprehended. — Rachel Sales, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026 After terrorizing that one kid, the bird reportedly went after a few other teenage footballers to the point that the referee had to put the match on hold. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrorize was in 1823

Rhymes for terrorize

See All Rhymes for terrorize

Browse Nearby Words

terrorization
terrorize
terrorless
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Cite this Entry

“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorize. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

terrorize

verb
ter·​ror·​ize ˈter-ər-ˌīz How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
terrorized; terrorizing
1
: to fill with terror
2
: to force by threat or violence
terrorization
ˌter-ər-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

terrorize

transitive verb
ter·​ror·​ize ˈter-ər-ˌīz How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
terrorized; terrorizing
: to inflict terror upon
terrorization
ˌter-ər-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on terrorize

Nglish: Translation of terrorize for Spanish Speakers

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