terrorize

[ ter-uh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, ter·ror·ized, ter·ror·iz·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈterrorˌizer, noun
• ˌterroriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• terror·i·zation noun
• terror·izer noun
• un·terror·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of terrorize¹

First recorded in 1815–25; terror + -ize

Synonym Study

See frighten.

Example Sentences

It is much easier to terrorize one person, especially with harassment tactics, than it is to go after a collective.

From Salon

For four months, two people terrorized older residents in South L.A.,

From Los Angeles Times

Charles Manson was behind a series of murders that terrorized Southern California in the late 1960s, but the killings he masterminded with his famous "family" might not be the only executions he helped carry out.

From Salon

He arrived at the arena wearing the Ghostface mask from “Scream” and wasted little time terrorizing the Raptors though Halloween was a day earlier.

From Los Angeles Times

Scenes are briefly described in which a drunk Carson decks a friend and terrorizes wives.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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