terrorize

especially British, ter·ror·ise

[ter-uh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

terrorized, terrorizing 

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.

terrorize

/ ˈtɛrəˌraɪz /

verb

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

2. to inspire with dread; terrify

Other Word Forms

• terrorization noun
• terrorizer noun
• unterrorized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrorize¹

First recorded in 1815–25; terror + -ize

Synonym Study

See frighten.

Related Words

• alarm 
• bludgeon 
• bully 
• coerce 
• frighten 
• horrify 
• intimidate 
• menace 
• oppress 
• scare 
• shock 
• terrify