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.
Brooks also relished his role as a class clown, terrorizing his teachers and leaving his friends gasping with laughter. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 The clip ultimately evolved into a lo-fi vision of the Rapture, complete with giant flaming hands terrorizing the band. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 30 June 2026 But his journey from shining shoes in the slums to terrorizing defenses in the world’s biggest stadiums relies too heavily on the flashy montage to pack an emotional punch. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026 Maxwell is being charged with breaking and entering a building to terrorize, injury to real property and resisting an officer, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorize. Accessed 8 Jul. 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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