terrorize
Terrorize (verb) means to frighten someone badly, usually by repeated threats or violence. Example: “The gang terrorized the neighbourhood for months before the arrests.”
How to use terrorize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo scare someone so badly and so often that it controls how they act.
Word forms
terrorized past tense, terrorizes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.