terrorize

verb

ter·​ror·​ize ˈter-ər-ˌīz How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
terrorized; terrorizing
Synonyms of terrorizenext

transitive verb

1
: to fill with terror or anxiety : scare
2
: to coerce by threat or violence
terrorization
ˌter-ər-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of terrorize

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Examples of terrorize in a Sentence

As a child she terrorized her younger siblings. She was terrorized by nightmares. Employees were terrorized into accepting abysmal working conditions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Together the groups protested Austin FC’s refusal to take a stance against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids terrorizing the city’s sizable immigrant community. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 In The Babysitter, desperate to earn enough money for a prestigious writing program, 16-year-old Jenny takes a babysitting job despite a prowler terrorizing girls across town. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026 Clark plays the daughter of Ursula (Jessica Chastain) and Russ (Jay Duplass), a young girl terrorized by a sinister figure who looks just like her mother, known as the titular Other Mommy. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 As Bela’s parents’ relationship fractures (Jay Duplass plays Dad), Other Mommy finds more opportunities to terrorize this family. — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terrorize

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrorize was in 1823

Rhymes for terrorize

See All Rhymes for terrorize

Browse Nearby Words

terrorization
terrorize
terrorless
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Cite this Entry

“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrorize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

terrorize

verb
ter·​ror·​ize ˈter-ər-ˌīz How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
terrorized; terrorizing
1
: to fill with terror
2
: to force by threat or violence
terrorization
ˌter-ər-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

terrorize

transitive verb
ter·​ror·​ize ˈter-ər-ˌīz How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
terrorized; terrorizing
: to inflict terror upon
terrorization
ˌter-ər-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce terrorize (audio)
noun
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