as in to frighten
to strike with fear
thunderstorms terrorize our cats, who all scamper downstairs when lightning flashes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of terrorize
Unknown in the United States until recent years, TdA has been involved in several high-profile crimes and terrorizing a Colorado apartment complex.
—
Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
The immigration judge had found that Abrego Garcia faced a credible threat from gangs that had terrorized him and his family.
—Ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
The judge had found that Abrego Garcia faced a credible threat from gangs who had terrorized him and his family.
—Ben Finley, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Well, as long as Iran's leaders continue to terrorize Americans after these strikes, then, no, America won't be safe from the Iran threat.
—ABC News, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
The immigration judge had found that Abrego Garcia faced a credible threat from gangs that had terrorized him and his family.
—Ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2025
The judge had found that Abrego Garcia faced a credible threat from gangs who had terrorized him and his family.
—Ben Finley, Fortune, 27 June 2025
Well, as long as Iran's leaders continue to terrorize Americans after these strikes, then, no, America won't be safe from the Iran threat.
—ABC News, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrorize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terrorize
Verb
-
But their return has also angered and frightened livestock farmers and others in rural communities who are having to learn to live alongside these once nearly-extinct creatures.—
Ruth Sherlock,
NPR,
9 July 2025
-
But on Friday night, the booms and blasts of celebratory fireworks appear to have frightened them away.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
The combination of a floodlight and a camera is a great way to scare off intruders and get better quality footage at night.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
-
Simply pull the pin, and the device will emit a blaring siren sound in combination with a strobe light that will draw attention to your situation and scare away would-be threats.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Paired with the gray-ish green color palette, sparse decor, and dark atmospherics in the Institute itself, the bleak vibes may be enough to turn some viewers off for good, especially those horror purists who tune in hoping to be terrified rather than just bummed out.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
13 July 2025
-
In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Your trash schedule might not be top of mind this Independence Day between going to fireworks displays, making a last-minute run to the grocery store or getting startled by loud booms.—
Eleanor Nash
July 3,
Kansas City Star,
3 July 2025
-
According to a crash report, a cicada flew into the driver's window, startling the driver.—
Kaycee Sloan,
The Enquirer,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Terrorize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terrorize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share