terrorize

[ ter-uh-rahyz ]

/ ˈtɛr əˌraɪz /

verb (used with object), ter·ror·ized, ter·ror·iz·ing.

to fill or overcome with terror.

to dominate or coerce by intimidation.

to produce widespread fear by acts of violence, as bombings.

Nearby words

terror, reign of, terror-stricken, terrorise, terrorism, terrorist, terrorize, terry, terry's syndrome, tersanctus, terse, tertial

Also especially British, ter·ror·ise.

Origin of terrorize

First recorded in 1815–25; terror + -ize

SYNONYMS FOR terrorize

1, 2 See frighten.

Related formster·ror·i·za·tion, nounter·ror·iz·er, nounun·ter·ror·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for terrorising

terrorize

terrorise

/ (ˈtɛrəˌraɪz) /

verb (tr)

to coerce or control by violence, fear, threats, etc

to inspire with dread; terrify

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