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

• terrorizer noun
• terrorization noun
• unterrorized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrorize¹

First recorded in 1815–25; terror + -ize

Synonym Study

See frighten.

Example Sentences

“This administration has turned the military against our own people, terrorizing entire communities, and even detaining U.S. citizens who are exercising their constitutional rights to speak out.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The only city that the pitcher dubbed the “Monster of the Reiwa Era” was terrorizing was his own.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“How could this blatant racial profiling, the terrorizing of the communities of Los Angeles, take place without a direct challenge to this injustice? That’s why we came together.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Peaceful protestors are welcome. Federal agents who abuse their position to terrorize Illinoisans and incite violence are not welcome,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It is part of Russia’s growing strategy to terrorize civilians in an effort to sap Ukrainians’ strength to resist in the fourth year of war.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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