Terrorize Meaning in English

word

US

ˈtɛɹɝˌaɪz

TER-er-ize

UK

ˈtɛɹəɹaɪz

TER-uh-rize

Definition

To make someone feel very afraid, often by repeatedly threatening them or using violence.

Usage & Nuances

Most common in formal, journalistic, or legal contexts about bullying, war, or crime. Often used with forms like 'terrorize people/neighbors.' Do not confuse with 'terrify,' which means to scare greatly, but not usually with the idea of repeated threats.

• Spanish: atemorizar - aterrorizar
• Portuguese (BR): aterrorizar - assustar (fortemente)
• Portuguese (PT): aterrorizar - amedrontar
• Chinese (Simplified): 恐吓 - 使恐惧
• Chinese (Traditional): 恐嚇 - 使恐懼
• Hindi: आतंकित करना
• Arabic: يروع - يرهب
• Bengali: সন্ত্রাসিত করা - ভয় দেখানো (বারবার)
• Russian: терроризировать - запугивать (систематически)
• Japanese: 脅かす (くりかえし) - 恐怖で支配する
• Vietnamese: khủng bố - đe dọa (liên tục)
• Korean: 공포에 떨게 하다 - 위협하다 (반복적으로)
• Turkish: terör estirmek - korkutmak (sürekli)
• Urdu: دہشت زدہ کرنا - بار بار ڈرانا
• Indonesian: menakuti - meneror

Example Sentences

The gang tried to terrorize the neighborhood.

basic

Bullying can terrorize young students at school.

basic

The dictator tried to terrorize people with threats.

basic

The loud fireworks seemed to terrorize all the dogs in the area.

natural

Online trolls sometimes terrorize people just for fun.

natural

The criminals hoped their actions would terrorize the city into silence.

natural