terrorize

[ ter-uh-rahyz ]
/ ˈtɛr əˌraɪz /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR terrorize ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

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Also especially British, ter·ror·ise .

Origin of terrorize

First recorded in 1815–25; terror + -ize

synonym study for terrorize

1, 2. See frighten.

OTHER WORDS FROM terrorize

ter·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. 2020

Words related to terrorize

bully, intimidate, frighten, alarm, shock, bludgeon, scare, coerce, horrify, menace, oppress, terrify, dismay, fright, cow, appall, hector, startle, spook, awe

British Dictionary definitions for terrorize

terrorize

terrorise

/ (ˈtɛrəˌraɪz) /

verb (tr)

to coerce or control by violence, fear, threats, etc
to inspire with dread; terrify

Derived forms of terrorize

terrorization 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