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.

Example Sentences

Most alarmingly, he’s been terrorizing immigrants with something akin to zeal, painting food cart operators and day care workers as an existential threat to middle America.

From Salon

When officers cover their faces and demand to be nameless and faceless, “They are terrorizing ... with something just as simple as a mask,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Price not only caused Hastings’ wrongful conviction but also allowed the true perpetrator to remain free to terrorize other victims.”

From Los Angeles Times

Even after the troops have gone, ICE has continued to terrorize the immigrant community.

From Salon

Additionally, obsessives can view Quint’s harpoon gun and original design specifications for the mechanical sharks built to terrorize Martha’s Vineyard in 1974.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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