terrorize
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for terrorize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To frighten someone badly, usually by repeated threats or violence.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use terrorize
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from terror plus the verb-forming suffix -ize, following the same pattern as words like "organize" or "modernize".
Full origin of terrorize →Frequently asked questions
What does “terrorize” mean?
The word “terrorize” means to frighten someone badly, usually by repeated threats or violence. In plain terms, to scare someone so badly and so often that it controls how they act.
How do you pronounce “terrorize”?
“Terrorize” is pronounced TEH-ruh-ryz (/ˈtɛɹəɹaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “terrorize” in a sentence?
Here is “terrorize” used in a sentence: “The gang terrorized the neighbourhood for months before the arrests.”
What part of speech is “terrorize”?
“Terrorize” is a verb.
How many meanings does “terrorize” have?
“Terrorize” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to frighten someone badly, usually by repeated threats or violence.