terror

[ ter-er ]

noun

1. intense, sharp, overmastering fear:

   to be frantic with terror.

   Synonyms: consternation, dismay, alarm

   Antonyms: calm

2. an instance or cause of intense fear or anxiety; quality of causing terror:

   to be a terror to evildoers.

3. any period of frightful violence or bloodshed likened to the Reign of Terror in France.
4. violence or threats of violence used for intimidation or coercion; terrorism.
5. Informal. a person or thing that is especially annoying or unpleasant.

terror

/ ˈtɛrə /

noun

1. great fear, panic, or dread
2. a person or thing that inspires great dread
3. informal.
   a troublesome person or thing, esp a child
4. terrorism

Derived Forms

• ˈterrorful, adjective
• ˈterrorless, adjective

Other Word Forms

• terror·ful adjective
• terror·less adjective
• counter·terror noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of terror¹

First recorded in 1325–75; from Latin, equivalent to terrēre “to frighten” + -or -or ¹; replacing Middle English terrour, from Anglo-French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of terror¹

C14: from Old French terreur, from Latin terror, from terrēre to frighten; related to Greek trein to run away in terror

Idioms and Phrases

see holy terror .

Synonym Study

Terror, horror, panic, fright all imply extreme fear in the presence of danger or evil. Terror implies an intense fear that is somewhat prolonged and may refer to imagined or future dangers: frozen with terror. Horror implies a sense of shock at a danger that is also evil, and the danger may be to others rather than to oneself: to recoil in horror. Panic and fright both imply a sudden shock of fear. Fright is usually of short duration: a spasm of fright. Panic is uncontrolled and unreasoning fear, often groundless, that may be prolonged: The mob was in a panic.

Example Sentences

The Israeli foreign ministry said it was a "precise strike on a single building that was used by Hamas as a terror command and control centre" and where there was "no medical activity take place".

From BBC

Despite the criticism levelled against him over the investigation into the Uchuraccay massacre, Vargas Llosa continued to expose state terror and abuse of power through literature.

From BBC

“The Last of Us” recreated its terror funhouse version of Seattle in British Columbia.

From Salon

Twenty years ago, the court agreed that the “war on terror” prisoners held at Guantanamo had a habeas corpus right to challenge their detention.

From Los Angeles Times

With Trump’s return to power, the American media’s mockery and hubris has been replaced by fear and terror of Trump’s revenge and retribution.

From Salon

Related Words

• anxiety
• awe
• dread
• horror
• intimidation
• panic
• shock