verb
terrorize
TEH-ruh-ryz
Terrorize (verb) means to frighten someone badly, usually by repeated threats or violence. Example: “The gang terrorized the neighbourhood for months before the arrests.”
verb
1
To frighten someone badly, usually by repeated threats or violence.
"The gang terrorized the neighbourhood for months before the arrests."
"A masked figure had been terrorizing residents with late-night phone calls."
2
To force someone to do something through fear or intimidation.
"The dictator terrorized the population into silence."
How to use terrorize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo scare someone so badly and so often that it controls how they act.
Common pairings
terrorize the neighbourhood
terrorize residents
terrorized into submission
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- terrorizes
- Past tense
- terrorized
Fill the gap
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The gang _____ the neighbourhood for months before the arrests.
Etymology
Formed from terror plus the verb-forming suffix -ize, following the same pattern as words like "organize" or "modernize".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for terrorize
See all rhymes for 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.
