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terrorize

[ter-uh-rahyz]
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verb (used with object), ter·ror·ized, ter·ror·iz·ing.
  1. to fill or overcome with terror.
  2. to dominate or coerce by intimidation.
  3. to produce widespread fear by acts of violence, as bombings.
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Also especially British, ter·ror·ise.

Origin of terrorize

First recorded in 1815–25; terror + -ize
Related formster·ror·i·za·tion, nounter·ror·iz·er, nounun·ter·ror·ized, adjective

Synonyms

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1, 2. See frighten.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for terrorising

terrorize

terrorise

verb (tr)
  1. to coerce or control by violence, fear, threats, etc
  2. to inspire with dread; terrify
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Derived Formsterrorization or terrorisation, nounterrorizer or terroriser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for terrorising

terrorize

v.

"coerce or deter by terror," 1823, from terror + -ize (also cf. terrorism). Related: Terrorized; terrorizing.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper